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I don't like new people. They come into our town and don't know the rules. They get up in our business. They mess things up.
That's why when James Maddock walks into my bar, I'm suspicious. He might act like a nice guy, but for sure he spells trouble.
And that's the last thing I need just when I've got my life on track.
All I want is to keep my sister safe, but suddenly, my tentative peace with the local gang, the Iron Fists, is exploding. People I thought I could trust are turning out to be enemies in disguise, and people I was certain were dangerous seem to want me on their team. I don't know where to turn. I don't know who is a friend and who a foe.
What I do know is this: when the dust settles, the only person I can rely on to have my back... is me.
***
RISE is the first book in a four-book slow burn post-apocalyptic romance series. The series contains foul language, intense sexual situations (including references to non- and dubious consent), and violence in keeping with the post-apocalyptic setting. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18. The series ends with a happy ending.
That's why when James Maddock walks into my bar, I'm suspicious. He might act like a nice guy, but for sure he spells trouble.
And that's the last thing I need just when I've got my life on track.
All I want is to keep my sister safe, but suddenly, my tentative peace with the local gang, the Iron Fists, is exploding. People I thought I could trust are turning out to be enemies in disguise, and people I was certain were dangerous seem to want me on their team. I don't know where to turn. I don't know who is a friend and who a foe.
What I do know is this: when the dust settles, the only person I can rely on to have my back... is me.
***
RISE is the first book in a four-book slow burn post-apocalyptic romance series. The series contains foul language, intense sexual situations (including references to non- and dubious consent), and violence in keeping with the post-apocalyptic setting. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18. The series ends with a happy ending.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
298 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Margot de Klerk
10 books21 followersMargot de Klerk is a British author who writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults, with a bit of comedy, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of plot. She is most often found in her favourite coffee shop typing furiously on her computer with an iced latte at hand. When not writing, she enjoys photography, travelling, sewing, and various sports.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 11, 2023
3 1/2 stars
A new post apocalyptic series with potential.
I wanted to love this book so badly. It's exactly the storyline I've been craving. But I was hot and cold with it. I would be reading along and anticipating that it was going somewhere and then it would start dragging. Then it would pick up and then it would drag. I still have hopes for this series and will continue one with it when the next book releases. I just hope the author finds a way to keep the storyline flowing with consistent energy. I know with this type of story that it's probably tough.
I do like the main character, Harley who is trying to maintain her independence as much as she can in a world that has zero respect for women. She's done everything she can to shelter her sister and ofter finds herself verbally abused and judged for things beyond her control but she powers on and hold her head up. She has no choice. Their world is cruel and unforgiving. You cannot show weakness. It's ruled primarily by motorcycle gangs and the safest way for women to typically exist is to find someone who will offer you protection. But Harley doesn't want to owe anyone "favors."
There's so much room for potential with this series. I look forward to seeing what this author does next. The ending of this book was pretty wide open and unresolved so there's a lot to cover in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
A new post apocalyptic series with potential.
I wanted to love this book so badly. It's exactly the storyline I've been craving. But I was hot and cold with it. I would be reading along and anticipating that it was going somewhere and then it would start dragging. Then it would pick up and then it would drag. I still have hopes for this series and will continue one with it when the next book releases. I just hope the author finds a way to keep the storyline flowing with consistent energy. I know with this type of story that it's probably tough.
I do like the main character, Harley who is trying to maintain her independence as much as she can in a world that has zero respect for women. She's done everything she can to shelter her sister and ofter finds herself verbally abused and judged for things beyond her control but she powers on and hold her head up. She has no choice. Their world is cruel and unforgiving. You cannot show weakness. It's ruled primarily by motorcycle gangs and the safest way for women to typically exist is to find someone who will offer you protection. But Harley doesn't want to owe anyone "favors."
There's so much room for potential with this series. I look forward to seeing what this author does next. The ending of this book was pretty wide open and unresolved so there's a lot to cover in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
January 27, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book. The story follows Harley in a post-apocalyptic world where it's clear she's been forced to use her body as a way to make ends meet. Gangs control the territories that they live in and she was under the control of one of them due to her father owing money when he died, which is how she ended up being a cage dancer. She lives with her sister in a small flat and currently works as a bartender.
While there was plenty of room for plot, it felt like for the first 30% nothing really happened. The writing was repetitive at times and every chapter was just Harley at the bar watching someone walk through the door and giving them lip. It felt like the author wanted us to think there were 3 different love interests, but there were never enough emotions between two of them for it to lead to anything. The relationship with Ellery felt really forced, which it kind of was supposed to be considering he made it seem like she owed him for protection.
I knew that Bas was going to end up being the love interest, but then the end of the book completely threw me off. Also, the book drops off abruptly but not in a cliffhanger way. Just in a random ending? I know there will be multiple books in the series and I'm definitely interested in where the story is going!
I really loved the concept of this book. The story follows Harley in a post-apocalyptic world where it's clear she's been forced to use her body as a way to make ends meet. Gangs control the territories that they live in and she was under the control of one of them due to her father owing money when he died, which is how she ended up being a cage dancer. She lives with her sister in a small flat and currently works as a bartender.
While there was plenty of room for plot, it felt like for the first 30% nothing really happened. The writing was repetitive at times and every chapter was just Harley at the bar watching someone walk through the door and giving them lip. It felt like the author wanted us to think there were 3 different love interests, but there were never enough emotions between two of them for it to lead to anything. The relationship with Ellery felt really forced, which it kind of was supposed to be considering he made it seem like she owed him for protection.
I knew that Bas was going to end up being the love interest, but then the end of the book completely threw me off. Also, the book drops off abruptly but not in a cliffhanger way. Just in a random ending? I know there will be multiple books in the series and I'm definitely interested in where the story is going!
March 6, 2024
**I received this book as an ARC through BookSirens**
From the prologue it had me hooked. I was captivated and wanted to follow more of Harley's journey and unravel what would happen next. It was refreshing to have a story that wasn't predictable and although I didn't agree with all of the FMC's choices it added to progressing the plot and made for a wild ride. Gritty and dystopian without too much in-your-face world building. I cannot wait to read the next book.
From the prologue it had me hooked. I was captivated and wanted to follow more of Harley's journey and unravel what would happen next. It was refreshing to have a story that wasn't predictable and although I didn't agree with all of the FMC's choices it added to progressing the plot and made for a wild ride. Gritty and dystopian without too much in-your-face world building. I cannot wait to read the next book.
October 18, 2024
❤️🤗Excellent discovery!
Two years earlier:
Posy and Harley were impatiently waiting for their taxi truck at the exit of the tunnels.
They ended up embarking on the dangerous road alone, and quickly found themselves in complete darkness.
Menacing silhouettes in the distance and gunshots made them throw themselves face down on the ground...
*********
Excellent discovery with this first volume of this fascinating, rather dark post-apocalyptic dystopia.
I immediately got hooked on the plot of the novel and the incredible and moving main character of Harley!
In addition, the author's writing style is totally addictive.
The outcome of the story being unpredictable, I remained hooked on reading page after page without even realizing it.
Looking forward to the sequel in volume 2!
I highly recommend!
Two years earlier:
Posy and Harley were impatiently waiting for their taxi truck at the exit of the tunnels.
They ended up embarking on the dangerous road alone, and quickly found themselves in complete darkness.
Menacing silhouettes in the distance and gunshots made them throw themselves face down on the ground...
*********
Excellent discovery with this first volume of this fascinating, rather dark post-apocalyptic dystopia.
I immediately got hooked on the plot of the novel and the incredible and moving main character of Harley!
In addition, the author's writing style is totally addictive.
The outcome of the story being unpredictable, I remained hooked on reading page after page without even realizing it.
Looking forward to the sequel in volume 2!
I highly recommend!
February 14, 2025
The book was fast paced and kept you really interested in the story. There were a lot of peripheral characters that kept me thinking back in my mental list of who was aligned with whom that was somewhat distracting but it did add a lot of flavor to the world so you know the many power brokers and how they influence events and Harley keeps getting sucked from one drama to another and if there was someone she could trust, it would make her life a lot easier.
February 8, 2023
Post-apocalyptic dystopian romance? Sign me up! But this book just did not deliver on the premise. For one thing it doesn’t read like post-apocalyptic at all, it reads like a war torn area. Apparently, meteorites hit centuries ago, but there is no explanation as to what happened. Our main character works in a hotel/bar in a small-ish town, not to mention there are references to casinos (plural), and I find it hard to believe that in an apocalypse there are casinos and hotels in a small town. Oh, and it’s not a romance, this book is setting up the romance in future books.
But my main beef is that pretty much every character is unlikable, untrustworthy, and confusing. There are so many different characters to try to keep track of, not to mention they keep changing whether they’re a “good guy“ or a “bad guy“. The FMC, Harley, is stubbornly delusional. She states repeatedly that she can take care of herself, and yet is attacked, groped, kidnapped, etc. She’s a known gang informant, as in EVERYONE knows that she’s an informant, and yet she is convinced that she was under the radar. There are many more plot holes and inconsistencies, so suffice to say I did not particularly enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
But my main beef is that pretty much every character is unlikable, untrustworthy, and confusing. There are so many different characters to try to keep track of, not to mention they keep changing whether they’re a “good guy“ or a “bad guy“. The FMC, Harley, is stubbornly delusional. She states repeatedly that she can take care of herself, and yet is attacked, groped, kidnapped, etc. She’s a known gang informant, as in EVERYONE knows that she’s an informant, and yet she is convinced that she was under the radar. There are many more plot holes and inconsistencies, so suffice to say I did not particularly enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2023
I will start by saying I enjoyed "Rise" a lot.
The main protagonist, Harley, is an interesting choice. She is very compellingly written as a reflection of the way woman are often treated and regarded in society, albeit much worse off in this brutal, post-apocalyptic world.
Which, I think, is the book's second biggest weakness. The world-building is a bit on the softer side. Given that this is a first book in a series, it's not really a flaw, so much as something that could have been slightly improved rather than being left to the imagination. It does, however, give enough to sufficiently support the story which is more than enough for me. I only hope Revolution can improve on the world.
Now for one of the positives. The authors prose is fantastic, clean, and she writes on the level of a professional author. The compelling, first person POV gives us deep insight into Harley and brings us very close to her character. The writing overall, while occasionally flawed, is darn near impeccable and makes for a butter-smooth read.
While the plot is a little loose, I (in comparison to another reader) didn't really note any plot holes other than Maddock. It was foremost a story about Harley trying to survive in a world where the deck is stacked against her in almost every way. Occasionally, it felt repetitive, but the author manages to keep me intrigued throughout.
The characters that the book places the most emphasis on were well-written enough, though Harley's back-and-forth between them was occasionally a bit dizzying. In the grand scheme, it made sense, though. Bas is my personal favorite, though Maddock and Ellery are close seconds.
Which brings me to my next critique, the theme. As stated before, the world of "Rise" is a cold one. The book does include some scenes depicting sexual harassment and assault, for the most part it's handled well. This is evident in Harley's no doubt trauma-caused and understandable hatred of men. At first I was worried the story was implying that all men were evil rapists, but thankfully, the author includes enough nuance to make it work as a theme while also showing the opposite is true, such as with Bas, Ellery, and Maddock.
Now for the ending. While it is by no means a deal breaker, I'll admit, I was a little disappointed with the outcome of the final conflict. There is a moment where I thought Harley would finally "Rise," but the ending somewhat undermines it, which makes me hurt for Harley. In all honestly, it feels like a betrayal of the promise the title implies. I only hope that it allows her that in the sequel, which I definitely look forward to once it comes out.
The main protagonist, Harley, is an interesting choice. She is very compellingly written as a reflection of the way woman are often treated and regarded in society, albeit much worse off in this brutal, post-apocalyptic world.
Which, I think, is the book's second biggest weakness. The world-building is a bit on the softer side. Given that this is a first book in a series, it's not really a flaw, so much as something that could have been slightly improved rather than being left to the imagination. It does, however, give enough to sufficiently support the story which is more than enough for me. I only hope Revolution can improve on the world.
Now for one of the positives. The authors prose is fantastic, clean, and she writes on the level of a professional author. The compelling, first person POV gives us deep insight into Harley and brings us very close to her character. The writing overall, while occasionally flawed, is darn near impeccable and makes for a butter-smooth read.
While the plot is a little loose, I (in comparison to another reader) didn't really note any plot holes other than Maddock. It was foremost a story about Harley trying to survive in a world where the deck is stacked against her in almost every way. Occasionally, it felt repetitive, but the author manages to keep me intrigued throughout.
The characters that the book places the most emphasis on were well-written enough, though Harley's back-and-forth between them was occasionally a bit dizzying. In the grand scheme, it made sense, though. Bas is my personal favorite, though Maddock and Ellery are close seconds.
Which brings me to my next critique, the theme. As stated before, the world of "Rise" is a cold one. The book does include some scenes depicting sexual harassment and assault, for the most part it's handled well. This is evident in Harley's no doubt trauma-caused and understandable hatred of men. At first I was worried the story was implying that all men were evil rapists, but thankfully, the author includes enough nuance to make it work as a theme while also showing the opposite is true, such as with Bas, Ellery, and Maddock.
Now for the ending. While it is by no means a deal breaker, I'll admit, I was a little disappointed with the outcome of the final conflict. There is a moment where I thought Harley would finally "Rise," but the ending somewhat undermines it, which makes me hurt for Harley. In all honestly, it feels like a betrayal of the promise the title implies. I only hope that it allows her that in the sequel, which I definitely look forward to once it comes out.
July 22, 2024
More of a 2.5/5
I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed this book but I am intrigued b6 it. On the one hand, the world is very far fetched and too overly dramatic with everything that’s going on. Way more characters have been introduced than I can keep track of and I’m really not seeing the point in why half of them were introduced to begin with. I also assume that it’s set in the future, but we somehow seem to have gone back to the 1900s in terms of women’s rights. Everything in the plot revolves around women being used for sex. Every. Thing. Even the ‘good guys’ who don’t want to use women for sex seem to only talk about the status of women in their society.
On the other hand, I’m intrigued by the characters and I’m honestly holding out for the romance that’s inevitably on its way. What’s more annoying though is that by the end of the book, I had vague ideas of who the love interest was going to be but it hadn’t been made inexplicably clear. Then, the author’s afterword was ‘want to carry on with x and y’s adventure?’ which removed all elements of mystery and I wanted to remove a star for that alone.
I’ll probably read the next book, but just because I want to see how the romance occurs. However, I will be reading it begrudgingly and can’t see myself continuing the series after that unless something remarkable and completely unexpected happens. Although, I have 50 on it probably being something along the lines of they finally fall in love and then she gets kidnapped.
I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed this book but I am intrigued b6 it. On the one hand, the world is very far fetched and too overly dramatic with everything that’s going on. Way more characters have been introduced than I can keep track of and I’m really not seeing the point in why half of them were introduced to begin with. I also assume that it’s set in the future, but we somehow seem to have gone back to the 1900s in terms of women’s rights. Everything in the plot revolves around women being used for sex. Every. Thing. Even the ‘good guys’ who don’t want to use women for sex seem to only talk about the status of women in their society.
On the other hand, I’m intrigued by the characters and I’m honestly holding out for the romance that’s inevitably on its way. What’s more annoying though is that by the end of the book, I had vague ideas of who the love interest was going to be but it hadn’t been made inexplicably clear. Then, the author’s afterword was ‘want to carry on with x and y’s adventure?’ which removed all elements of mystery and I wanted to remove a star for that alone.
I’ll probably read the next book, but just because I want to see how the romance occurs. However, I will be reading it begrudgingly and can’t see myself continuing the series after that unless something remarkable and completely unexpected happens. Although, I have 50 on it probably being something along the lines of they finally fall in love and then she gets kidnapped.
February 10, 2023
In this post-apocalyptic romance, Harley, a headstrong young bartender with deep-seated trust issues, knows what it's like to have your freedom taken away and become and disposable pawn under someone else’s iron fist. Yet when she thinks she is finally free, she finds herself again thrown into the dark dealings of one of the three gangs controlling her small, outlawed town. Her only goal: keep her sister safe. But in a world where there are no “good guys,” and everyone’s a villain, putting her trust in the wrong person could easily get her burned (and is a feeling she knows all too well). Complications begin to occur as her severe lack of trust in others threatens to crumble every relationship she hopes to make. Soon, she is hit from all sorts of directions, becoming entangled in the webs of secrets and sinister agendas and putting all her dreams of freedom and safety in grave jeopardy.
I really enjoyed this read! The FMC may not be physically strong, but her willpower alone to take the world on her shoulders and still fight to protect her loved ones, as well as her own freedom, made her strong in many other ways. I was rooting for her the whole book!
While the ending felt kind of abrupt, I did like how there were so many possible different directions and “villains” in which the climax of the story could’ve gone that it keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the whole time.
At times the plot did lack and lag a little, and at times the relationships between Harley and her potential love interests seemed forced, especially at the beginning whenever she is flirting. I also felt like they lacked certain emotional connections that never led to much of anything. I loved some of the sexual tension but wanted it to build up or lead to something a bit more (that goes for all three love interests).
I’m excited to see where Harley’s story takes us in book 2; it was a rollercoaster for sure!
Make sure you check your trigger warnings!
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this advanced reader copy! This is an honest review and all opinions made are my own.
I really enjoyed this read! The FMC may not be physically strong, but her willpower alone to take the world on her shoulders and still fight to protect her loved ones, as well as her own freedom, made her strong in many other ways. I was rooting for her the whole book!
While the ending felt kind of abrupt, I did like how there were so many possible different directions and “villains” in which the climax of the story could’ve gone that it keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat the whole time.
At times the plot did lack and lag a little, and at times the relationships between Harley and her potential love interests seemed forced, especially at the beginning whenever she is flirting. I also felt like they lacked certain emotional connections that never led to much of anything. I loved some of the sexual tension but wanted it to build up or lead to something a bit more (that goes for all three love interests).
I’m excited to see where Harley’s story takes us in book 2; it was a rollercoaster for sure!
Make sure you check your trigger warnings!
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this advanced reader copy! This is an honest review and all opinions made are my own.
February 15, 2023
The slow-burn tag is very aptly placed here. I would hesitate to even call this first book a romance at all. Now, that's not a bad thing, and I see a lot of potential for angsty love in the future! But this first book definitely focuses on the introduction of the world, the characters, and the story.
The setting feels more like it's in the past, rather than a post-apocalyptic world, which is a testament to the regression of society in the face of a disaster of this caliber. However, if I'm not mistaken, we don't know a lot about what caused the apocalypse. We know it was bombs, but I think the effects of them on the land have been a bit minimized. I would have liked to see more of the consequences, namely radiation and the effects on animals. This story could have just as easily taken place in the past, and I feel like that takes a little away from the post-apocalyptic feel.
That said, Rise is set in a very intriguing town. The gangs feel like an overarching presence and threat in every aspect of Harleys life. Her life is so stressful. It felt like she could never catch a break. Even her past made me so sad. I genuinely want to see her happy by the end of the series, or I'm throwing hands!
I'm keeping an eye on this series to see where it goes because I see the potential!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The setting feels more like it's in the past, rather than a post-apocalyptic world, which is a testament to the regression of society in the face of a disaster of this caliber. However, if I'm not mistaken, we don't know a lot about what caused the apocalypse. We know it was bombs, but I think the effects of them on the land have been a bit minimized. I would have liked to see more of the consequences, namely radiation and the effects on animals. This story could have just as easily taken place in the past, and I feel like that takes a little away from the post-apocalyptic feel.
That said, Rise is set in a very intriguing town. The gangs feel like an overarching presence and threat in every aspect of Harleys life. Her life is so stressful. It felt like she could never catch a break. Even her past made me so sad. I genuinely want to see her happy by the end of the series, or I'm throwing hands!
I'm keeping an eye on this series to see where it goes because I see the potential!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2023
I usually like post apocalyptic books and did enjoy this one but there were several oddities that made me give only 4 stars.
The story feels as though it is not in the future but in a segregated gang fighting community with bars and casinos.
The central character a girl Harley with a twin sister is interesting but she is almost a caricature of a girl who is not a gang whore but she is an occasional snitch who does let herself be groped and gawked at while she is in barely there clothes.
She is trying to earn her living as a bar tender or at times a cage dancer for the bar run by gangs where bare fighting happens and is heavily bet upon. Her sister is a doctor who earns nothing and Harley is the roof/bread earner.
Most males are horrible thugs in gangs - some have some humanity and there are hints of a romance in the next novels. But not who that person can be.
I shall read the next book and depending on the character developments I hope to read the rest of the series. At the end of this book there is a revelation of a past sell your body to survive and then a rape………… so as the author states this is a book for those over 18 - I think the author has been excellent by putting this in the preface.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story feels as though it is not in the future but in a segregated gang fighting community with bars and casinos.
The central character a girl Harley with a twin sister is interesting but she is almost a caricature of a girl who is not a gang whore but she is an occasional snitch who does let herself be groped and gawked at while she is in barely there clothes.
She is trying to earn her living as a bar tender or at times a cage dancer for the bar run by gangs where bare fighting happens and is heavily bet upon. Her sister is a doctor who earns nothing and Harley is the roof/bread earner.
Most males are horrible thugs in gangs - some have some humanity and there are hints of a romance in the next novels. But not who that person can be.
I shall read the next book and depending on the character developments I hope to read the rest of the series. At the end of this book there is a revelation of a past sell your body to survive and then a rape………… so as the author states this is a book for those over 18 - I think the author has been excellent by putting this in the preface.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant!
A brilliantly original take on the post apocalypse genre.
Harley Benoit is a waitress in a local bar although her main focus is picking up and trading information. Everything that’s worth anything is transactional in nature. Harley shares a room in a run down property with her sister Savannah.
Set in a post apocalyptic future where the world has been devastated by meteor strikes, every day is a struggle to survive. Savannah is a doctor at the town’s free clinic working for minimal pay, making Harley the breadwinner. A duty that she takes very seriously. For all of Harley’s street smarts she also comes across as quite vulnerable. They live in a brutally grim reality where the differences between the “haves and have nots” are profound, as are the opportunities (and attitudes) between men and women. Tattoos are vitally important in this world, showing the differences between men and boys, married or single, gang affiliations and for many marking them as slaves.
This book really pulled me in, it’s well crafted and teasingly feeds snippets of the history, culture and background/ world at large. I binge read this in under a day and am headed for book 2. It’s definitely captured my attention.
A brilliantly original take on the post apocalypse genre.
Harley Benoit is a waitress in a local bar although her main focus is picking up and trading information. Everything that’s worth anything is transactional in nature. Harley shares a room in a run down property with her sister Savannah.
Set in a post apocalyptic future where the world has been devastated by meteor strikes, every day is a struggle to survive. Savannah is a doctor at the town’s free clinic working for minimal pay, making Harley the breadwinner. A duty that she takes very seriously. For all of Harley’s street smarts she also comes across as quite vulnerable. They live in a brutally grim reality where the differences between the “haves and have nots” are profound, as are the opportunities (and attitudes) between men and women. Tattoos are vitally important in this world, showing the differences between men and boys, married or single, gang affiliations and for many marking them as slaves.
This book really pulled me in, it’s well crafted and teasingly feeds snippets of the history, culture and background/ world at large. I binge read this in under a day and am headed for book 2. It’s definitely captured my attention.
December 27, 2023
I hated just about every character in this story except the MMC because even though he was a jerk, he was the only person who was real.
The FMC was so irritating and every paragraph she was either feeling sorry for herself, getting angry at someone, or making yet another horrible decision that landed her in deeper and deeper trouble. Like I have never been so stressed out while reading istg, and that ending when it got even worse for her? It's like the author was determined to make every choice she made only have terrible outcomes. And then every time someone treated her horribly she'd get angry then brush it off and either apologize or push it down and never really have any resolution. That is SO EFFING FRUSTRATING.
But this world is so interesting, and sadly realistic even for a post-apocalyptic world. I wanted to yell at everyone at some point, and it's clear that things will shift and change in the next books, especially with how the groundwork was set up here for literally everyone took be either good or bad or somewhere in between. I usually eat stuff like that up, but idk if I can handle more of this FMC tbh.
The FMC was so irritating and every paragraph she was either feeling sorry for herself, getting angry at someone, or making yet another horrible decision that landed her in deeper and deeper trouble. Like I have never been so stressed out while reading istg, and that ending when it got even worse for her? It's like the author was determined to make every choice she made only have terrible outcomes. And then every time someone treated her horribly she'd get angry then brush it off and either apologize or push it down and never really have any resolution. That is SO EFFING FRUSTRATING.
But this world is so interesting, and sadly realistic even for a post-apocalyptic world. I wanted to yell at everyone at some point, and it's clear that things will shift and change in the next books, especially with how the groundwork was set up here for literally everyone took be either good or bad or somewhere in between. I usually eat stuff like that up, but idk if I can handle more of this FMC tbh.
June 16, 2024
Still Drafting Review - I just finished this series this weekend.......I WANT MORE FROM THIS WORLD
I Loved it alll
This was intense, gripping, intelligently a very smokin’ hot read.
Dystopian - Crime syndicate - Romantic Suspense - action - secrets- Injustice - Betrayal - Strong FMC who should be front & centre - MCs with backstorys - Gay rep - Fantastic found Family
Lets talk about the Slow burn - building the believeable foundations of their connection, as they learn about each other as it comes.
Characterisation - The character traits and development -character traits and development
Plot - The superb attention to details that make each story in this series stand out
Me I got a crush on Theo, Hardwicke....I sure loved Savannah too - I really think strong indication of great writing is when you always feel drawn to the secondary characters enough to care and feel them on the page come to life.
I read this in KU - & liked it so much I bought the ebooks for rereading.
When you read something like this - you can understand how a series can expand by further more books being added.
Jasmin E reads
I Loved it alll
This was intense, gripping, intelligently a very smokin’ hot read.
Dystopian - Crime syndicate - Romantic Suspense - action - secrets- Injustice - Betrayal - Strong FMC who should be front & centre - MCs with backstorys - Gay rep - Fantastic found Family
Lets talk about the Slow burn - building the believeable foundations of their connection, as they learn about each other as it comes.
Characterisation - The character traits and development -character traits and development
Plot - The superb attention to details that make each story in this series stand out
Me I got a crush on Theo, Hardwicke....I sure loved Savannah too - I really think strong indication of great writing is when you always feel drawn to the secondary characters enough to care and feel them on the page come to life.
I read this in KU - & liked it so much I bought the ebooks for rereading.
When you read something like this - you can understand how a series can expand by further more books being added.
Jasmin E reads
May 29, 2025
I read a lot, and one of my favorite genres is "after the end of the world as we know it." I have my favorite authors, but I'm always looking for a new author and/or series. I think I've found the next series I'll recommend to my friends and family.
In the first book of THE IRON FISTS series, Margot de Klerk introduces us to Harley as she tends bar and tries to keep her sister safe. The cast of characters builds with each bar patron having their challenges to survive. A motorcycle gang....The Iron Fists run this part of the world, using violence to keep everyone in line. The first book in a series must introduce the characters and the community while setting up multiple plot lines to move the story from one book to the next. de Klerk has done an excellent job of giving the characters a back story and developing a community of survivors who must use whatever skills they have to just stay alive. There are so many possibilities it's going to be hard to choose a favorite to cheer for. The bar for the next book has now been set very high. It's going to be hard to wait to see if de Klerk can live up to the promise.
In the first book of THE IRON FISTS series, Margot de Klerk introduces us to Harley as she tends bar and tries to keep her sister safe. The cast of characters builds with each bar patron having their challenges to survive. A motorcycle gang....The Iron Fists run this part of the world, using violence to keep everyone in line. The first book in a series must introduce the characters and the community while setting up multiple plot lines to move the story from one book to the next. de Klerk has done an excellent job of giving the characters a back story and developing a community of survivors who must use whatever skills they have to just stay alive. There are so many possibilities it's going to be hard to choose a favorite to cheer for. The bar for the next book has now been set very high. It's going to be hard to wait to see if de Klerk can live up to the promise.
February 13, 2023
Rise takes place generations after an apocalyptic event. The world in Rise is very different from ours. This detail is critical when reading this novel. The author, Margot De Klerk, has created a complex and scary world mixed in between destruction and rubble. This is a dark place to live.
Technology is gone. Most people are poor and struggling. De Klerk plunges the reader right into this ugly world. People do what they must to survive. Gangs run everything. A different type of order exists than we live in now. Fighting, killing, foul language, sex, and slavery are all a part of this world.
Harley is the central character in Rise. The reader sees life through her perspective. She does the best she can to survive. Harley is a waitress In a hotel bar. One of the better jobs in this society. Since Harley works in a popular bar, she interacts with many different types of people. Some good, some evil, but it's hard to be sure who to trust.
Harley is in her mid-twenties. There are love interests, but none are series. This is a dark tale. Once I realized how different Harley’s world is from my own, I was hooked. Harley gets up every day and does whatever she has to to get through that day.
I enjoyed this book. Rise is a gritty and suspenseful story. I've never read anything like this. I am hoping Harley’s story continues. I'm addicted to her now
Technology is gone. Most people are poor and struggling. De Klerk plunges the reader right into this ugly world. People do what they must to survive. Gangs run everything. A different type of order exists than we live in now. Fighting, killing, foul language, sex, and slavery are all a part of this world.
Harley is the central character in Rise. The reader sees life through her perspective. She does the best she can to survive. Harley is a waitress In a hotel bar. One of the better jobs in this society. Since Harley works in a popular bar, she interacts with many different types of people. Some good, some evil, but it's hard to be sure who to trust.
Harley is in her mid-twenties. There are love interests, but none are series. This is a dark tale. Once I realized how different Harley’s world is from my own, I was hooked. Harley gets up every day and does whatever she has to to get through that day.
I enjoyed this book. Rise is a gritty and suspenseful story. I've never read anything like this. I am hoping Harley’s story continues. I'm addicted to her now
February 20, 2023
Post-apocalyptic dystopian romance - this book was a complete let-down.
It doesn't read like post-apocalyptic at all; meteorites hit centuries ago but there's no explanation as to why that happened or how it's still affecting everything.
Harley works in a hotel/bar in a town that has casinos - how is this possible in an apocalypse? Every character is unlikable and untrustworthy and Harley is just plain stupid and delusional.
She claims she can take care of herself, yet she is attacked, groped, kidnapped, and so on. She's a known gang informant - everyone knows she's an informant - yet she believes she was under the radar. There are many more plot holes and inconsistencies, so it's safe to say I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. I strongly urge readers to avoid this one.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
It doesn't read like post-apocalyptic at all; meteorites hit centuries ago but there's no explanation as to why that happened or how it's still affecting everything.
Harley works in a hotel/bar in a town that has casinos - how is this possible in an apocalypse? Every character is unlikable and untrustworthy and Harley is just plain stupid and delusional.
She claims she can take care of herself, yet she is attacked, groped, kidnapped, and so on. She's a known gang informant - everyone knows she's an informant - yet she believes she was under the radar. There are many more plot holes and inconsistencies, so it's safe to say I was thoroughly disappointed with this book. I strongly urge readers to avoid this one.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
June 28, 2023
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would! It had post apocalyptic mafia feel to it, and both genres I really like. Sometimes they can get a bit repetitive, and this didn't feel that way. The FMC is likeable, she isn't over the top or too perfect/too imperfect. She had a good balance of flaws, and some of it felt relatable. The authors writing felt good, and I like the mystery of who the MMC will be...there are a few suspects but it keeps changing with each chapter you read. It is a slow burn, normally I prefer medium burn but this had enough of a plot, with world building and twists, that I didn't mind the slow burn aspect. Defintely interested in picking up the next in the series to see how the story continues.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2024
Rise- Margot de Klerk
5⭐️
Oh my, this was a rollercoaster. A good one! Gangs, a dystopian world, and doing what needs to be done to survive. Harley is trying her best to provide for her and her sister, everything she had to do for them to survive breaks my heart. There were points in this book where I got so angry at what was happening that I had to take a break and cuddle my cat. I could feel the helplessness Harley felt, I felt her fear and her anger. At the beginning I had 3 ships in mind, Harley x Maddock, Harley x Bas and Harley x Ellery. Going in to book 2 I’m team Bas!
I am so ready to see Harley become more badass and kick some more ass!
🥃Dystopian
🥃Gang war
🥃Cage fighting
🥃Spying
🥃Lying
I highly recommend this book if you like the tropes above!
Thank you to Booksirens and Margot de Klerk for this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily🖤
5⭐️
Oh my, this was a rollercoaster. A good one! Gangs, a dystopian world, and doing what needs to be done to survive. Harley is trying her best to provide for her and her sister, everything she had to do for them to survive breaks my heart. There were points in this book where I got so angry at what was happening that I had to take a break and cuddle my cat. I could feel the helplessness Harley felt, I felt her fear and her anger. At the beginning I had 3 ships in mind, Harley x Maddock, Harley x Bas and Harley x Ellery. Going in to book 2 I’m team Bas!
I am so ready to see Harley become more badass and kick some more ass!
🥃Dystopian
🥃Gang war
🥃Cage fighting
🥃Spying
🥃Lying
I highly recommend this book if you like the tropes above!
Thank you to Booksirens and Margot de Klerk for this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily🖤
October 13, 2024
Post-apocalyptic mafia/gang/mob mystery/suspense with a touch of romance-to-be. Did I get it all? Whew. There's a lot going on in this book.
Harley is a woman trying her best to survive in this world. She honestly broke my heart a few times, but she's also her own worst enemy. Maddox is the mysterious stranger who may or may not be someone she can trust. Ellery is the gangster with a face like a god but ultimately takes care of himself first. Bas is the unknown: also a gangster, with a treacherous and heartbreaking past, who may or may not hate Harley. It's hard to tell. But oh boy is there some chemistry between him and Harley!
There's so much potential wrapped up in mundane scenes that add little to nothing to the story. I wanted to love it but at best, it's a just-above-mediocre like. 3 stars
Harley is a woman trying her best to survive in this world. She honestly broke my heart a few times, but she's also her own worst enemy. Maddox is the mysterious stranger who may or may not be someone she can trust. Ellery is the gangster with a face like a god but ultimately takes care of himself first. Bas is the unknown: also a gangster, with a treacherous and heartbreaking past, who may or may not hate Harley. It's hard to tell. But oh boy is there some chemistry between him and Harley!
There's so much potential wrapped up in mundane scenes that add little to nothing to the story. I wanted to love it but at best, it's a just-above-mediocre like. 3 stars
January 23, 2023
Rise takes place in a horrifyingly believable post apocalypse town where multiple gangs maneuver for power. Harley is a compelling protagonist, who is just trying to get out of the power of one local gang while protecting her sister without selling herself. But no one is truly neutral in town and a gang war is brewing. Harley's well earned, deep seated distrust of everyone unfortunately isolates her and further complicates her struggles. As multiple snares and traps close in around Harley, you can't help but root for her to become free and safe.
A captivating read that will have you staying up late to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A captivating read that will have you staying up late to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
This book has lots of promise, I just didn't find that it completely delivered. It would have been nice to understand the entire premise of the motorcycle club and their end collaborative.
The character development is great, I just found the plot to be a little loose.
This is a happily ever after, despite the expectations you'd glean from the first half.
The character development is great, I just found the plot to be a little loose.
This is a happily ever after, despite the expectations you'd glean from the first half.
February 21, 2023
This is more of a 3.5. By halfway through I was invested in some of the characters, but I'm having trouble with the setting and society. I'm not sure what these people are living for? In dystopians, there's usually an endgame, or a place to aspire to, I'm not sure what anyone is aspiring to here? The theme of sex and sex trade is troubling at first, and then eases off a bit, seemingly to partly exist in Harley's head, but still sex is a favor and commodity. I don't think these issues for me can resolve in subsequent novels.
February 18, 2024
feministic &postapocalyptic
DNF at 4%
I don´t know if this book is suited for many male readers.. Two broads miss their taxi, one wants to suck someone off to get a ride home, stereotypical statements like "men were capable of much worse", "all men are bad news" remind of the famous shitty Gilette comercial and the women act like the stereotypical bitchy, dumb broads of the 1980s movies..
DNF at 4%
I don´t know if this book is suited for many male readers.. Two broads miss their taxi, one wants to suck someone off to get a ride home, stereotypical statements like "men were capable of much worse", "all men are bad news" remind of the famous shitty Gilette comercial and the women act like the stereotypical bitchy, dumb broads of the 1980s movies..
January 30, 2023
The story follows Harley in a post-apocalyptic world where she's been forced to use her body to get by. The love interests in this book was a bit confusing and the ending really confused me. There's more books in the series planned but I'm not sure where it's going or with who. It did have good world building and explanations of how this world works. I'll give the next one a try.
February 22, 2023
Definitely different and gives nothing away for free. Easy to empathize with the characters and dislike a few along the way. A single woman trying to make it in a gang ruled world. I found this one of the ones I hated to put down and want the next right away.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw.
October 27, 2023
True slow burn
Who is the slow burn with I have whittled it down to 3. I won't say and give anything away but I truly don't know. This book is absolutely drama filled. With tension between Harley and her sister to Harley and all the men/gangs. Can't wait to read book 2 and get a better idea.
Who is the slow burn with I have whittled it down to 3. I won't say and give anything away but I truly don't know. This book is absolutely drama filled. With tension between Harley and her sister to Harley and all the men/gangs. Can't wait to read book 2 and get a better idea.
Read
January 28, 2023Dnf. A good premise unfortunately the writing wasn’t for me.
July 12, 2023
Solid. Liked enough for book 2. Great main character, wish there was a little more world building.
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