hollyc2012's review against another edition
1.0
Do not waste your time with this book. I got this in an owl crate and I’m convinced the only reason it was included in the box as a second book that month was because the publishing company gave it to them for free.
Contrary to what the 4 and 5 star reviews say this is not a refreshing dystopian novel. This is literally every popular dystopian novel I’ve ever read wrapped up in a very bad package. And the infuriating part was there are parts of those dystopian novels literally taken from them and shoved into this book.
The main character is boring and there is literally no reason for anything. I’m supposed to believe that this girl survived 6 years on her own, is the best at everything (for no reason), her parents are dead (surprise), and of course she just ends up in the hands of the people who worked with those parents. It’s all so stupid and Unrelatable it isn’t even funny. And why the hell is the child even there? We don’t know.
Don’t even get me started with this ista love shit. This guy is literally the most uninteresting person in the entire world and I’m supposed to be just head over heels for him? Oh and shocker guys his mother runs whatever camp they are in.
Also stop mentioning rape every other page. There was literally no reason once so ever to include that. And then on top of mentioning it ever 5 seconds in connection to a character I’m supposed to just drop that and like him because he saved her? NOPE. Why writers think it’s ok to just use rape and sexual assault as a way to make someone bad or ~interesting~ and then turn them good because they do one good thing I will never know.
If you were sexually assaulted would you all of a sudden love your assaulter because they pulled you out of the way of a car? No you would say thanks and move on still not liking them. You know why? Because they still sexually assaulted you.
Anyways this book is bad. Don’t waste your times
Contrary to what the 4 and 5 star reviews say this is not a refreshing dystopian novel. This is literally every popular dystopian novel I’ve ever read wrapped up in a very bad package. And the infuriating part was there are parts of those dystopian novels literally taken from them and shoved into this book.
The main character is boring and there is literally no reason for anything. I’m supposed to believe that this girl survived 6 years on her own, is the best at everything (for no reason), her parents are dead (surprise), and of course she just ends up in the hands of the people who worked with those parents. It’s all so stupid and Unrelatable it isn’t even funny. And why the hell is the child even there? We don’t know.
Don’t even get me started with this ista love shit. This guy is literally the most uninteresting person in the entire world and I’m supposed to be just head over heels for him? Oh and shocker guys his mother runs whatever camp they are in.
Also stop mentioning rape every other page. There was literally no reason once so ever to include that. And then on top of mentioning it ever 5 seconds in connection to a character I’m supposed to just drop that and like him because he saved her? NOPE. Why writers think it’s ok to just use rape and sexual assault as a way to make someone bad or ~interesting~ and then turn them good because they do one good thing I will never know.
If you were sexually assaulted would you all of a sudden love your assaulter because they pulled you out of the way of a car? No you would say thanks and move on still not liking them. You know why? Because they still sexually assaulted you.
Anyways this book is bad. Don’t waste your times
librarianlayla's review against another edition
4.0
*CW for mentions of both physical and sexual violence*
Dark, fast paced, raw.
I love edgy dystopian stories, and New World Rising didn't disappoint. Right from the start it is brutal, and grips the reader. The world is split after apocalyptic events, and the main character Phoenix has had to learn how to survive in it, all on her own.
There are a diverse collection of characters, and a lot of blurred lines as to who is really good and who is wrong in this world. A lot of underlying depth to so many characters.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that the events that happen to her parents, are relayed a little too often. I feel that the opening sequence gave enough detail, and maybe it needed to be mentioned once after. But not as frequently as it was. It is clear enough that her past has shaped the way she is now, and I think that there could have been more to her, without the constant need to repeat the exact same lines over and over.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced nature of the story, the gritty determination and intellect that makes Phoenix so intriguing and the development of her character. I hope I can pick up the sequels in the future.
Dark, fast paced, raw.
I love edgy dystopian stories, and New World Rising didn't disappoint. Right from the start it is brutal, and grips the reader. The world is split after apocalyptic events, and the main character Phoenix has had to learn how to survive in it, all on her own.
There are a diverse collection of characters, and a lot of blurred lines as to who is really good and who is wrong in this world. A lot of underlying depth to so many characters.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that the events that happen to her parents, are relayed a little too often. I feel that the opening sequence gave enough detail, and maybe it needed to be mentioned once after. But not as frequently as it was. It is clear enough that her past has shaped the way she is now, and I think that there could have been more to her, without the constant need to repeat the exact same lines over and over.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced nature of the story, the gritty determination and intellect that makes Phoenix so intriguing and the development of her character. I hope I can pick up the sequels in the future.
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some gore, end of the world jazz)
Pages: 318
Author Website
Amazon Link
Disclaimer: None, I got this book in an OwlCrate sub box that I bought with my own money.
Synopsis: Worlds collide in debut author Jennifer Wilson's graphic dystopian series where Divergent meets Mad Max. Since witnessing her parents' murders at the age of eleven, Phoenix's only purpose in life has been to uphold her mother's dying words - to be strong and survive. But surviving outside of The Walls - outside of The Sanctuary - is more like a drawn-out death sentence. A cruel and ruthless city, Tartarus is run by the Tribes whose motto is simple, "Join or die."
Refusing to join and determined to live, Phoenix fights to survive in this savage world.
But who can she trust, when no one can be trusted? Not even herself...
The first of a trilogy, New World Rising is an epic tale of survival, instinct, trauma, and the extraordinary power of human connection.
Another dystopian, another day. This one I wanted to try out because I heard such good things about it, but personally I had some issues with it. The book was decent overall. I felt that the character development was really good and the storyline was interesting. Unfortunately these were the only things I liked.
I felt that while the pacing was okay, the beginning of the story dragged on really slow. Nothing really was interesting until over 50 pages into the book. I felt while the world building was really well done, I was left with more questions than answers about why we were in this world and what was happening. I also noticed some plot holes throughout the book. Also insta-love and cliffhangers.
Verdict: Overall, this book was good on the surface but when I started digging around the book I felt that this book had a lot of things left to explain.
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some gore, end of the world jazz)
Pages: 318
Author Website
Amazon Link
Disclaimer: None, I got this book in an OwlCrate sub box that I bought with my own money.
Synopsis: Worlds collide in debut author Jennifer Wilson's graphic dystopian series where Divergent meets Mad Max. Since witnessing her parents' murders at the age of eleven, Phoenix's only purpose in life has been to uphold her mother's dying words - to be strong and survive. But surviving outside of The Walls - outside of The Sanctuary - is more like a drawn-out death sentence. A cruel and ruthless city, Tartarus is run by the Tribes whose motto is simple, "Join or die."
Refusing to join and determined to live, Phoenix fights to survive in this savage world.
But who can she trust, when no one can be trusted? Not even herself...
The first of a trilogy, New World Rising is an epic tale of survival, instinct, trauma, and the extraordinary power of human connection.
Another dystopian, another day. This one I wanted to try out because I heard such good things about it, but personally I had some issues with it. The book was decent overall. I felt that the character development was really good and the storyline was interesting. Unfortunately these were the only things I liked.
I felt that while the pacing was okay, the beginning of the story dragged on really slow. Nothing really was interesting until over 50 pages into the book. I felt while the world building was really well done, I was left with more questions than answers about why we were in this world and what was happening. I also noticed some plot holes throughout the book. Also insta-love and cliffhangers.
Verdict: Overall, this book was good on the surface but when I started digging around the book I felt that this book had a lot of things left to explain.
alybrat1's review against another edition
5.0
I blew through this book. I could not stop reading it. I was not expecting much from it, but I love the characters and the world and the plot was jarring. It gave me a lot of basic dystopian tropes with a twist and I really liked that. The dynamic between Mouse, Triven, and Phoenix was perfection and I love Triven. He and Phoenix give me FourTris vibes and I am here for it. Kinda pissed about the ending but that's what the 2nd book is for.
girlreading's review against another edition
New World Rising is a fast paced and gripping dystopian. The whole time I was reading this, I couldn't help but think this would make such a great movie! Both the characters and plot in this created a brilliant page turner. I can't wait to read the next book.
aliijaayne's review against another edition
5.0
Looooooooved this book. I wasn't rushing to read it but I'm so glad I did and I'm so impatiently waiting to read the next one.
The only issue I have (which isn't really an issue) is how quickly it went by. But that's probably only because it's the first book. I almost feel as if I read a short story, or a novella, not quite a novel, it went by so quick.
The writing style was fantastic. Not too detailed that you get caught up in little things, but just enough to that you can imagine it in your head.
Also an issue I run into frequently is feeling like I'm very obviously reading outside my age range and sometimes I feel old reading teen books, but that was NOT the case here. I was able to read comfortably and didn't find myself thinking "obviously such a teen thing to think" or "that's not even a real problem" as some teen fiction books make me think. But that's a personal thing.
Anyway, conclusion: 5/5, can't wait to continue reading.
The only issue I have (which isn't really an issue) is how quickly it went by. But that's probably only because it's the first book. I almost feel as if I read a short story, or a novella, not quite a novel, it went by so quick.
The writing style was fantastic. Not too detailed that you get caught up in little things, but just enough to that you can imagine it in your head.
Also an issue I run into frequently is feeling like I'm very obviously reading outside my age range and sometimes I feel old reading teen books, but that was NOT the case here. I was able to read comfortably and didn't find myself thinking "obviously such a teen thing to think" or "that's not even a real problem" as some teen fiction books make me think. But that's a personal thing.
Anyway, conclusion: 5/5, can't wait to continue reading.
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
meganmreads's review against another edition
4.0
New World: Rising was surprisingly awesome. I never really expect much from YA dystopian novels anymore and this wasn’t the starring book in the Owlcrate box, so of course I kind of viewed it as “extra” and didn’t have a lot of expectations for it, assuming it would be a mildly enjoyable book at best.
Man, was I wrong.
New World: Rising was really good in a way that I just don’t really see anymore in YA dystopian fiction. It was fresh. It kind of combined the aspects of post apocalypse with dystopia. Tartarus was the post apocalypse setting, the broken city taken over by tribes. A wall separated Tartarus from The Sanctuary. While we didn’t get to see the Sanctuary, it can be assumed that it’s the oppressive but perfect on the outside broken utopian society. I love that the story had both aspects of dystopian fiction.
Phoenix was a loner who wasn’t part of any of the city’s tribes. She kept to herself, traded when she needed to, and kept access points all over the city. She survived. The comparison in the synopsis that it’s Divergent meets Mad Max is actually pretty spot on, but at the same time, I was pleasantly surprised that the book stood on its own without having to be compared to other dystopian YA novels. I loved Phoenix as a character. She was fierce, but I could tell she had a softer side. It showed when she saved a small girl without even realizing what she was doing.
The world building was superb. It was dark, gritty, and terrifying. I was caught up in the atmosphere and mystery, as well as the characters.
If you are like me and love the dystopian genre, but it’s been nothing but disappointment recently, I highly recommend New World Rising. It’s the breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for.
Man, was I wrong.
New World: Rising was really good in a way that I just don’t really see anymore in YA dystopian fiction. It was fresh. It kind of combined the aspects of post apocalypse with dystopia. Tartarus was the post apocalypse setting, the broken city taken over by tribes. A wall separated Tartarus from The Sanctuary. While we didn’t get to see the Sanctuary, it can be assumed that it’s the oppressive but perfect on the outside broken utopian society. I love that the story had both aspects of dystopian fiction.
Phoenix was a loner who wasn’t part of any of the city’s tribes. She kept to herself, traded when she needed to, and kept access points all over the city. She survived. The comparison in the synopsis that it’s Divergent meets Mad Max is actually pretty spot on, but at the same time, I was pleasantly surprised that the book stood on its own without having to be compared to other dystopian YA novels. I loved Phoenix as a character. She was fierce, but I could tell she had a softer side. It showed when she saved a small girl without even realizing what she was doing.
The world building was superb. It was dark, gritty, and terrifying. I was caught up in the atmosphere and mystery, as well as the characters.
If you are like me and love the dystopian genre, but it’s been nothing but disappointment recently, I highly recommend New World Rising. It’s the breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for.
booshort's review against another edition
5.0
Ok I need the next book.
I did not know I’d love this book this much. I’d postponed this one for so long because I got it in my first Owlcrate as a bonus book, and I didn’t particularly like the featured book in the box; The Sandcastle Empire.
But holy shit did I love this one.
At first glance it looks very Divergent-y, and myself thinking so made me not want to read it. Cause you know... I’ve already read Divergent... and I don’t want to read another authors version of it. But, while it does have VERY FEW similarities, it is 100x better in my opinion. The characters are just more fleshed out. I loved the MC and Mouse’s relationship, I thought it was a great dynamic. I also loved the MC as a whole, she was badass, and independent, and didn’t need no man. GOD I need the second book SO BADLY.
I did not know I’d love this book this much. I’d postponed this one for so long because I got it in my first Owlcrate as a bonus book, and I didn’t particularly like the featured book in the box; The Sandcastle Empire.
But holy shit did I love this one.
At first glance it looks very Divergent-y, and myself thinking so made me not want to read it. Cause you know... I’ve already read Divergent... and I don’t want to read another authors version of it. But, while it does have VERY FEW similarities, it is 100x better in my opinion. The characters are just more fleshed out. I loved the MC and Mouse’s relationship, I thought it was a great dynamic. I also loved the MC as a whole, she was badass, and independent, and didn’t need no man. GOD I need the second book SO BADLY.
kel_bittner's review against another edition
3.0
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review. *
Be strong, survive.
Those three words made me get up, made me eat, and made me keep moving. And those same three words haunted me everyday.
As a debut novel, this was pretty good! It feels like a mix from parts of Divergent and my favorite series from Tracey Ward (The Quarantined/Survival series. So much so, that I kept expecting zombies to make an appearance.).
The action moves at a pretty steady pace, and doesn't slow down, not even at the very end.
After a set of natural disasters destroys the world, The Sanctuary is assembled. This is a utopia, where the air is clean and while life may be controlled, it is preferable to the outside.
The outside is run by the 5 different Tribes. Each tribe has a distinct set of features and markings, but they are all ruled by murdering for survival. Except for the Ravagers, who kill and hunt others for sport. Join or die. -- that was the way of the city.
Phoenix witnessed her parents brutal murder at a young age, and has been on her own for six years since. One day, she is out and sees the Ravagers hunting a little girl. She decides to step in and save her, and that is where her life changes again.
Here I where she meets Arden, Triven, and the creepy Maddox. We see the struggle for Phoenix to acclimate to her new surroundings and to caring for someone other than herself.
Tender moments and fast paced adventure have you racing to the end.
Be strong, survive.
Those three words made me get up, made me eat, and made me keep moving. And those same three words haunted me everyday.
As a debut novel, this was pretty good! It feels like a mix from parts of Divergent and my favorite series from Tracey Ward (The Quarantined/Survival series. So much so, that I kept expecting zombies to make an appearance.).
The action moves at a pretty steady pace, and doesn't slow down, not even at the very end.
After a set of natural disasters destroys the world, The Sanctuary is assembled. This is a utopia, where the air is clean and while life may be controlled, it is preferable to the outside.
The outside is run by the 5 different Tribes. Each tribe has a distinct set of features and markings, but they are all ruled by murdering for survival. Except for the Ravagers, who kill and hunt others for sport. Join or die. -- that was the way of the city.
Phoenix witnessed her parents brutal murder at a young age, and has been on her own for six years since. One day, she is out and sees the Ravagers hunting a little girl. She decides to step in and save her, and that is where her life changes again.
Here I where she meets Arden, Triven, and the creepy Maddox. We see the struggle for Phoenix to acclimate to her new surroundings and to caring for someone other than herself.
Tender moments and fast paced adventure have you racing to the end.