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The Rise: Dystopia
Book one of David Towner's "The Rise" series.
The entire planet is forced to continually fight for higher ground as an unexplained, unrelenting rise in water covers the earth, destroying infrastructure and isolating communities. The resulting dystopian society forces alliances between unlikely groups, brought together by nothing more than desperation and geography.
As food and water dwindle and tensions rise, generous relief supplies are provided by an anonymous source. The sporadic deliveries, which seem too good to be true, eventually create suspicion among the survivors who speculate about the origin and motives of the mysterious donors who provide them.
The entire planet is forced to continually fight for higher ground as an unexplained, unrelenting rise in water covers the earth, destroying infrastructure and isolating communities. The resulting dystopian society forces alliances between unlikely groups, brought together by nothing more than desperation and geography.
As food and water dwindle and tensions rise, generous relief supplies are provided by an anonymous source. The sporadic deliveries, which seem too good to be true, eventually create suspicion among the survivors who speculate about the origin and motives of the mysterious donors who provide them.
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2023
About the author
David Towner
8 books61 followersFor some strange reason, there are multiple profiles with my name including a few who follow this page. THIS is the only page for me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 27, 2023
David Towner's "The Rise: Dystopia" follows the journey of three very different characters and their survival stories after the entire planet is flooded by an unknown water source. After several weeks, just as things seem hopeless, food and supplies are delivered by an unknown source, creating suspicion and conspiracies among the survivors. Throughout the story, we are given glimpses into the best and worst of humanity. The story is an intriguing window into the dark side of our society and makes you wonder if people are stifling this type of behavior every day or if all of us, given desperate circumstances, would revert to selfishness and violence to survive. I am anxious to read the rest of the series when it is released.
January 20, 2023
Water levels are rising. At first, an unknown leak is the supposed source and life continues on almost as normal but, soon, it becomes impossible to ignore, buildings are submerged, and society as we know it alters.
I thought this was going to be a fast-paced dystopian tale about survival and, initially, this is what was delivered. Soon, however, the focus shifted to individual coping mechanisms during this time and how humanity alters when faced with life-or-death situations. It really is a dog-wat-dog world out there!
This was a very short series instalment, measuring in at under 100 pages, but I did desire a bit more about the water source to be revealed. The final sentence unnerved me deeply and did provide some context but in an abstract sort of way. I'm eager to learn more but wish it had been provided now and here and not in another novel at some later date.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, David Towner, and the publisher, Splash Marketing, for this opportunity.
I thought this was going to be a fast-paced dystopian tale about survival and, initially, this is what was delivered. Soon, however, the focus shifted to individual coping mechanisms during this time and how humanity alters when faced with life-or-death situations. It really is a dog-wat-dog world out there!
This was a very short series instalment, measuring in at under 100 pages, but I did desire a bit more about the water source to be revealed. The final sentence unnerved me deeply and did provide some context but in an abstract sort of way. I'm eager to learn more but wish it had been provided now and here and not in another novel at some later date.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, David Towner, and the publisher, Splash Marketing, for this opportunity.
January 24, 2023
❤️ Just Awesome ❤️
I really enjoyed David Towner's Aztec series so I thought I would give this novel a chance. I was definitely not disappointed. I'm not really a dystopian fiction fan but he presents it in such a relatable manner that I was hooked from page one.
I really enjoyed David Towner's Aztec series so I thought I would give this novel a chance. I was definitely not disappointed. I'm not really a dystopian fiction fan but he presents it in such a relatable manner that I was hooked from page one.
January 27, 2023
I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction but the past several years have been dominated by post-war or pandemic related storylines. I was so happy to see a different approach to the genre and even happier that the book was GREAT. David Towner is an incredibly talented writer with a tremendous ability to write from multiple perspectives. The story takes place in Tokyo, Colorado and on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The characters cover all sexes, ages and backgrounds but Towner really nails their backstories and points of view of each character. It's obvious he spent a lot of time crafting the story to be creative and suspenseful but not too revealing. I was left slightly disappointed with the cliffhanger but at the same time, grateful that I have a series to look forward to.
January 31, 2023
This popped up on my Alexa because I follow the Aztec Warrior God series writer David Towner. I opened the kindle unlimited version and started reading. I didn’t stop for the next 1.5 hours. Incredible hook for an inaugural series book. I can’t even explain the storyline to do it justice. It’s a natural disaster, dystopian, apocalyptic, survival, social analysis, human interest story with a potential love story and a possible alien invasion brewing (just my humble deductions). I can’t wait to read #2. Don’t keep me waiting Mr. Towner.
January 31, 2023
This book was recommended by my book club. Very quick read but so well written. It caused me a nightmare because I tend to overthink things. It’s a great cautionary tale if you are someone concerned about the environment. I don’t think that was the intention of the author, but it definitely made me start thinking a bit more about what our world could become if we don’t treat mother nature better.
February 2, 2023
This book is quite different from Towner’s Aztec series (which I quite enjoy). “The Rise: Dystopia” is a very cerebral story with the obvious intent of setting up a post-apocalyptic civilization through a catastrophic event, making populations vulnerable and dependent on an unknown organization who serves as their lifeline. Readers who respect gradual approaches to Science Fiction will really understand what Towner is doing here. Unlike a few other reviewers, I was not disappointed at all by the lack of explanation of the events. I presume that is the payoff later. What would be the point of a conclusion in book one of a series? Overall, this book is Towner’s best work and I hope he approaches the series with the same focus as the Aztec novels.
February 3, 2023
The book follows three separate stories as different groups cope with a strange, worldwide flood with no explanation. Each story could be their own book and I can’t wait to see what the writers do with them in the sequels.
February 2, 2023
Outstanding.
Recommended by my dystopian book club.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Recommended by my dystopian book club.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 5, 2023
I found myself thinking about these characters and their circumstances for several days. Some elements of the book made it hard for me to sleep the first night. Especially the last line. I think I know where the series is headed but It’s kind of driving me crazy wondering.
March 8, 2023
Fascinating and Unforgettable. Easy to get involved in the story and invested in the characters.
My only complaint is that by the end, I wanted more to be satisfied. It seemed like it ended too quickly.
(It was so good, I didn't want the story to end yet).
However, the author has kindly pointed out there is a 2nd book. :)
Definitely looking forward to more from the talented David Towner.
My only complaint is that by the end, I wanted more to be satisfied. It seemed like it ended too quickly.
(It was so good, I didn't want the story to end yet).
However, the author has kindly pointed out there is a 2nd book. :)
Definitely looking forward to more from the talented David Towner.
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars
Theres a lot to like here.
The idea of the flood coming suddenly from nowhere, and nobody is prepared .
I enjoyed the different scenarios that showed how impossible situations can bring out the best and worst in people.
I think you can't help but imagine how you would act, and behave in this scenario.
Quite the little page turner.
Theres a lot to like here.
The idea of the flood coming suddenly from nowhere, and nobody is prepared .
I enjoyed the different scenarios that showed how impossible situations can bring out the best and worst in people.
I think you can't help but imagine how you would act, and behave in this scenario.
Quite the little page turner.
January 23, 2023
A complete page turner! I couldn’t put it down and finished in one day. A dystopian thriller with lots of twists I didn’t expect. I enjoyed the variety of viewpoints from all the different characters and their unique situations around the world. It’s book one of a series, so I look forward to seeing what comes next. Even though everything isn’t completely answered, you’re left with enough to start forming your own suspicions as to what is going on…and also to be chilled by the last lines.
February 3, 2023
3.5
On a normal day, black water mysteriously begins to fill the earth. Three people in different parts of the world must navigate this new normal.
While the main characters struggle to survive on limited food and water, they also encounter humanity. The fight for survival is ruthless and could kill them, and the desperation has no boundaries based on location, economic status or gender.
Thankfully, a mysterious benefactor provides some rations and reminders to cooperate, share and get along. But a few people also disappear for days or weeks at a time and return changed. What's really happening? Will help arrive before it's too late?
I like the alternating viewpoints. I was rooting for each character to survive! And their courage shines through.
The book is short and a quick read. That means some of the plot is simplified and rushed. But the pacing and flow are good overall.
And the ending! Wow! That's powerful and opens multiple doors of future possibilities in my imagination. I hope there's a sequel!
On a normal day, black water mysteriously begins to fill the earth. Three people in different parts of the world must navigate this new normal.
While the main characters struggle to survive on limited food and water, they also encounter humanity. The fight for survival is ruthless and could kill them, and the desperation has no boundaries based on location, economic status or gender.
Thankfully, a mysterious benefactor provides some rations and reminders to cooperate, share and get along. But a few people also disappear for days or weeks at a time and return changed. What's really happening? Will help arrive before it's too late?
I like the alternating viewpoints. I was rooting for each character to survive! And their courage shines through.
The book is short and a quick read. That means some of the plot is simplified and rushed. But the pacing and flow are good overall.
And the ending! Wow! That's powerful and opens multiple doors of future possibilities in my imagination. I hope there's a sequel!
February 5, 2023
🏆 Wow. Ok. Where to start. Firstly, I was kind of blown away by the innovation of this book. Way too many dystopian novels start off with a cliché pandemic with few survivors. “The Rise: Dystopia” takes a completely different approach. Instead of just a few survivors left to inhabit the earth, what if most of the world survived a major catastrophe? How would we cope? How would we treat our fellow man? There are many intriguing elements of the book, but most captivating is the question of what caused the flood and who are the unseen “people” helping the survivors? Finishing the last few lines of the book reminded me of a great tv series that leaves you hanging in the season finale. I will definitely be the first in line for book two. 🆒
February 9, 2023
The Rise: Dystopia
Dystopian, Scif-Fi & Fantasy
David Towner
⭐️⭐️.5
I love a good dystopian book so the synopsis of this one really grabbed my attention.
The pacing is a little on the slow side but at the same time, parts of the plot seemed rushed - the whole book takes place over 2 - 3 months and at one point 6 weeks are skipped. I wish there was more world building and less detail when it comes to describing appearances and the actions done by the characters.
I did really like how the author managed to portray human nature, how people react to disasters and how, sometimes, things can spiral out of control due to fear.
The last 2 sentences at the end made me more curious than most of the book. There was no explanation of what happened and why, who was delivering the rations (I assumed it was the government just like the characters did), or even what the creatures in the water are.
I think with more plot and character development, this book could be a very good read but right now, I don't think I'd read any follow up books.
*Thank you to @netgalley, Splash Marketing and David Towner for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review*
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Dystopian, Scif-Fi & Fantasy
David Towner
⭐️⭐️.5
I love a good dystopian book so the synopsis of this one really grabbed my attention.
The pacing is a little on the slow side but at the same time, parts of the plot seemed rushed - the whole book takes place over 2 - 3 months and at one point 6 weeks are skipped. I wish there was more world building and less detail when it comes to describing appearances and the actions done by the characters.
I did really like how the author managed to portray human nature, how people react to disasters and how, sometimes, things can spiral out of control due to fear.
The last 2 sentences at the end made me more curious than most of the book. There was no explanation of what happened and why, who was delivering the rations (I assumed it was the government just like the characters did), or even what the creatures in the water are.
I think with more plot and character development, this book could be a very good read but right now, I don't think I'd read any follow up books.
*Thank you to @netgalley, Splash Marketing and David Towner for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review*
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January 28, 2023
Fantastic and thrilling from start to finish! I hope I get approved for the ARC for all of the next parts! I loved that the action started right away instead of having a snapshot of what life was like before the Rise.
February 5, 2023
Very quick read but I liked it enough to buy the paperback. I also bought the author’s graphic novel series. Ill review them separately
February 5, 2023
God, Aliens, Terrorists, Natural Disaster, New World Order? I guess we will just have to wait and find out. But seriously, I loved this book.
February 5, 2023
I highly recommend this book if you are into Dystopian or Apocalyptic stories. “We are among you now. Do better. Be Better”.
February 25, 2023
I liked this story and I'm curious as to what happens afterward. Is it aliens? Who knows.....
January 29, 2023
I feel really conflicted reviewing this book, first it told us the story of several individuals that were living in the same world while something mysterious happened, all of a sudden the water level raised and no one could explain where or how the water was coming from, I usually don’t mind when something apocalyptical is happening and we are not given the explanation why, but in this book I don’t really understand why no one was interested in knowing what was happening… it kind of missed the point of view of a scientist or something that could give us a light about what was happening, even if it was religious, well it misses the point of view of someone religious…
You know it is easier to give us the point of view of people living in most countries when the author lives there, but when the author doesn’t that shows in his writing, the Japanese characters, missed something or maybe too much of a stereotype I guess…
Hmm and the ending also left the same lukewarm feeling that the whole book gave me, so will it continue, is this really the end? What will happen next? Its an OK story, but it feels lacking in many parts of the story… even to a person that likes to be left in the dark about some details.
Thank you NetGalley and Splash Marketing for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
You know it is easier to give us the point of view of people living in most countries when the author lives there, but when the author doesn’t that shows in his writing, the Japanese characters, missed something or maybe too much of a stereotype I guess…
Hmm and the ending also left the same lukewarm feeling that the whole book gave me, so will it continue, is this really the end? What will happen next? Its an OK story, but it feels lacking in many parts of the story… even to a person that likes to be left in the dark about some details.
Thank you NetGalley and Splash Marketing for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
April 8, 2023
‘Be better. Do better.’ - a bracing dystopian novel!
Florida author David Towner has served as a US Army paratrooper, filmmaker, comedian, and writer of graphic novels, and now explores new terrain in this science fiction fantasy novel, THE RISE: DYSTOPIA. In creating this brief but engaging novel, Towner suffuses his many career influences, and his writing is polished, imaginative, and poses many questions that leave the reader enriched at the story’s close. The fantasy is placed in three locales - Tokyo, Colorado, and a Caribbean cruise ship - and the theme deals with the threat of the end of life on earth by mysteriously rising waters and how characters from these three different regions respond: survival dictates fighting for supplies, violence, hopelessness, and a final ‘voice’ of reassurance that change will happen with positive interaction among the vantages the peoples of the earth. Each of the characters is well sculpted, becoming visual as in watching a film, and the novel, though short, pack a memorable wallop. Very fine short read!
Florida author David Towner has served as a US Army paratrooper, filmmaker, comedian, and writer of graphic novels, and now explores new terrain in this science fiction fantasy novel, THE RISE: DYSTOPIA. In creating this brief but engaging novel, Towner suffuses his many career influences, and his writing is polished, imaginative, and poses many questions that leave the reader enriched at the story’s close. The fantasy is placed in three locales - Tokyo, Colorado, and a Caribbean cruise ship - and the theme deals with the threat of the end of life on earth by mysteriously rising waters and how characters from these three different regions respond: survival dictates fighting for supplies, violence, hopelessness, and a final ‘voice’ of reassurance that change will happen with positive interaction among the vantages the peoples of the earth. Each of the characters is well sculpted, becoming visual as in watching a film, and the novel, though short, pack a memorable wallop. Very fine short read!
September 16, 2023
David Towner’s bio says he has a background in filmmaking. I can absolutely see how his background influences his writing. While reading Dystopia, I could visualize every character and scene. I usually don’t have this experience when reading, especially in a dramatic genre, but I actually still think about the characters a week after finishing the book and find myself wondering what they are going to do next. It was a very unique experience to say the least so I am going to try to find some of Towner’s other work to see if it is his writing or just an affinity I felt with this particular book and its characters. My only criticism is that the book is very short (120 pages) but I also understand that it needed to end when it did and there was nothing lacking from a story perspective. Towner is great at developing a story and likely knew that ending it like he did would create the sense of intrigue that it did with me.
March 16, 2023
Okay, this one was great. Until it wasn't.
First off, I had so much faith in this book that I purchased the kindle version. If you know me, that's a big deal because that is so far from my wheelhouse. It lived up to the hype right up until the dark water had monsters in it. Then I started to become skeptical, and it was justified when the sky started talking, telling everyone to basically act like they have morals and behave themselves.
I did, however, love the writing itself. The multiple POV's again, are something I thoroughly enjoy. It just felt like it wasn't fully thought through, which was a major bummer.
To be honest though, for not being a widely published mass-produced book you can pick up at B&N, this was pretty darn good.
First off, I had so much faith in this book that I purchased the kindle version. If you know me, that's a big deal because that is so far from my wheelhouse. It lived up to the hype right up until the dark water had monsters in it. Then I started to become skeptical, and it was justified when the sky started talking, telling everyone to basically act like they have morals and behave themselves.
I did, however, love the writing itself. The multiple POV's again, are something I thoroughly enjoy. It just felt like it wasn't fully thought through, which was a major bummer.
To be honest though, for not being a widely published mass-produced book you can pick up at B&N, this was pretty darn good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
Dystopian sci-fi mystery thriller you won't forget!
In David Towner’s “The Rise” the world is forced to fight for higher ground due to an unexplained, unrelenting rise in sea levels. This has caused a dystopian society of unlikely groups, and as food and water dwindle, relief supplies are provided by an anonymous source. This creates suspicion among survivors, who speculate about the origin and motives of the mysterious donors.
Set against the backdrop of three different locations, Tokyo, Colorado, and a Caribbean cruise ship, this dystopian sci-fi novella will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
In David Towner’s “The Rise” the world is forced to fight for higher ground due to an unexplained, unrelenting rise in sea levels. This has caused a dystopian society of unlikely groups, and as food and water dwindle, relief supplies are provided by an anonymous source. This creates suspicion among survivors, who speculate about the origin and motives of the mysterious donors.
Set against the backdrop of three different locations, Tokyo, Colorado, and a Caribbean cruise ship, this dystopian sci-fi novella will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
September 15, 2023
I borrowed the book from a fellow dystopian book club member who highly recommended it. I liked it enough to buy my own copy and plan to purchase the other books in the trilogy when they are released. Towner is a very interesting, yet non-traditional writer. The book has no chapters. It transitions (very smoothly) between three different settings. Each transition is divided by asterisks. Even without the transition markers, I think I could follow due to his vivid writing style. Overall, I give this book 5 starts and look forward to more from David Towner. I won’t write any spoilers but our club’s entire last zoom meeting was dominated with speculation and theories about this book.
July 11, 2023
Great Setup
I fell in love with David Towner’s writing style after reading “The Spectacular Life of Benito Martin del Canto”. This book is the first in a dystopian trilogy that he released earlier so I didn’t know what to expect. Although it was quite a departure from the other novel, I was thoroughly impressed. Towner is a master storyteller who is not defined by genre, period or geography. He obviously researches his stories extensively and pays special attention to ensure his characters are consistent, authentic, and well-developed. I am eagerly awaiting his next release.
I fell in love with David Towner’s writing style after reading “The Spectacular Life of Benito Martin del Canto”. This book is the first in a dystopian trilogy that he released earlier so I didn’t know what to expect. Although it was quite a departure from the other novel, I was thoroughly impressed. Towner is a master storyteller who is not defined by genre, period or geography. He obviously researches his stories extensively and pays special attention to ensure his characters are consistent, authentic, and well-developed. I am eagerly awaiting his next release.
July 12, 2023
Excellent Series Start
Book One of David Towner’s “The Rise” trilogy is a true page turner that follows three different groups as they cope with an unexplained and unstoppable rise in water across the planet. This is a series so definitely do not read it if you don’t like cliffhangers because I read the last words on the edge of my seat and felt anxiety about the fate of the characters. If you need a complete story, you should wait until the entire series is released because Towner is a master of building suspense and then pulling the rug out, leaving you tweaking for a follow up.
Book One of David Towner’s “The Rise” trilogy is a true page turner that follows three different groups as they cope with an unexplained and unstoppable rise in water across the planet. This is a series so definitely do not read it if you don’t like cliffhangers because I read the last words on the edge of my seat and felt anxiety about the fate of the characters. If you need a complete story, you should wait until the entire series is released because Towner is a master of building suspense and then pulling the rug out, leaving you tweaking for a follow up.
July 15, 2023
Creative Approach to the Genre
I am a huge dystopian/apocalyptic fan but haven’t been impressed by any releases in the past couple years. Everybody is still clinging to the pandemic, zombie or post-war premise and it is beyond stale. I had never even heard of this author but kudos to him for conceiving something new. I am excited to read the rest of the series. I also perused some of his other titles. He is quite a versatile talent, and I am planning on reading his other material. I’ll review those as I finish them.
I am a huge dystopian/apocalyptic fan but haven’t been impressed by any releases in the past couple years. Everybody is still clinging to the pandemic, zombie or post-war premise and it is beyond stale. I had never even heard of this author but kudos to him for conceiving something new. I am excited to read the rest of the series. I also perused some of his other titles. He is quite a versatile talent, and I am planning on reading his other material. I’ll review those as I finish them.
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