Four tests. Seven days. Nine teens. Only the chosen shall breed.★★★★★ ”This is definitely way up there with the Hunger Games and Divergent!”Humans now live in a super greenhouse. Seas have risen. Oceans have acidified. And the fight for resources is deadly. To ensure nothing of this magnitude ever happens again, only those with enough intelligence and heart will earn the right to bear children … those with enough intelligence and heart will earn the right to bear children and heal the earth.
Nine teens must face the tests of the Proving to decide who will be Bound to this new order. Four of them will challenge the system in ways even they can’t imagine.
Nova. The gentle soul who has everything to lose.
Kian. The champion of this new world who’s determined to succeed.
Dex. The one who’ll learn nothing is as it seems.
Wren. The rebel who wants nothing to do with any of it.
As the fight to breed becomes a fight to survive, rules are broken, and hearts are captured. This Proving won’t just decide the future of this new order, it will decide the future of humankind.
Lovers of Divergent, The Hunger Games, and The Maze Runner series will be blown away by the breathtaking new series from USA Today best-selling author Tamar Sloan and award-winning author Heidi Catherine.
Scroll up and grab your copy now!
What readers are saying about After the Thaw…
★★★★★ ”Rising is without doubt the best dystopian series I have ever read.”
★★★★★ “It’s understandable why this is compared to the Hunger Games…the writing is top notch and on the same level as those books.”
★★★★★ “Oh my. I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait for more!”
★★★★★ ”Great beginning to a new dystopian world! If you love dystopian, futuristic, or climatic fiction you need to start reading this series now!”
★★★★★ “I didn’t think it possible for another story to rival the likes of the Hunger Games and Divergent, but if Burning is an indicator, After The Thaw is going to be THE series to slake dystopian fans’ thirst.”
more
After mankind destroyed the Earth there’s a place called Askala (formerly known as Alaska) where people try to save it. When they turn 16 they have to go through the Proving, to determine who will become Bound and who will be Unbound. Only the smartest and most caring will be Bound, because they are responsible for everyones survival. Here we follow Kian, Dex, Nova and Wren before and during their Proving.
In the prequel, Burning, we were told about the Proving, but we didn’t get any information about the tests included. It’s very interesting to follow these kids and learn what they have to go through. It wasn’t always easy to understand how well they “scored” on the tests, but I had my mind set on the outcome. Or so I thought… I really enjoy being surprised once in a while, and I guess you can say that I got a couple of surprises along the way!
There are a lot of dystopian YA books out there, but I must say that it feels like Sloan and Catherine have managed to come up with something new and fresh. There are bits and pieces that remind me of The Hunger Games and Divirgent, for example, but they’ve made it their own, which is quite an accomplishment. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
What I liked:
This world is fantastic! The four main characters, Dex, Nova, Kian, and Wren, have deep emotional connections and internal struggles that really make you root for each. Dex, in particular, is an underdog you cannot help but love. The desire within each to do their duty and become Bound for the future of mankind is compelling. I didn’t once doubt their motivation, even when they sometimes did.
What I didn’t like:
For the most part, this is a fantastic book. But it was not without its pitfalls.
The Proving is not nearly as dangerous or intense as I had hoped for. Don’t get me wrong. There are a couple of tests where things get hairy, but I never really feel like their lives are in danger or they might fail their test. Maybe I’m an adrenaline junkie, but the book is not nearly as pulse-pounding as I had hoped. Only once did I worry that one of them might even become hurt or dragged under in the water. A comparison to the Hunger Games might be a little strong. I think it’s more like The Hunger Games for middle-grade kids.
I predicted the ending on page 11, which was a huge disappointment. Not that I didn’t still enjoy the characters and the story, but I knew how it would end the whole time, and each chapter I read only served to further confirm what I already knew. If the authors wanted it to be a shock at the ending, they were a bit too obvious with the hints they left in the book.
Overall:
Despite the two major pitfalls, the writing is fantastic and the story is interesting and well worth the read. I would recommend this book. In fact, were it not for those two issues, Rising easily would have been a 5-star book. This book is a fun adventure you will not want to put down, even if it doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat.
Interesting world and setting that held my attention and made me want to keep reading. I liked the small glimpse of the world we’ve been given so far, but I’m hoping for more detail in the next book. The characters were good as well. Well developed and diverse, it was easy to root for them.
All I can say is that this book will get your heart racing. The Proving is supposed to show who will be the best for Askala’s future. Kian and Nova have been in love with each other forever but because of their not knowing what their future is, bound or unbound they will not do anything about their feelings.
Eight teens will go into the Proving until 1 Night a Remnant makes it to shore and of the same age so she too will go through the Proving trials.
This book is filled with turmoil and romance with strong characters and awesome friendships. This is a book that keeps you wanting more and has a cliffhanger that has you stunned.
If you like Dystopian futuristic books you will want to read this book.
Wow, this is a real rollercoaster of a story! A fascinating storyline with engaging characters. This is a fabulous series, for young and less young readers!
While this book takes on a bit of a darker twist than the first two it is by no means less entertaining. In fact, there was more characterization in this book than the first two books. Part of the book takes place in the Outlands and it was very interesting to get a visualization of that part of this world the authors have created. The plot is tragic yet hopeful. I love this series. Looking forward to the next book for sure!!
There are a slew of dystopian tales out there lately, so it would be all too easy to fall into formulaic mediocrity. This is not that; this just blew all the others out of the (acidic) water! The world building is intriguing. The premise and focus on interpersonal relationships and societal structures in a highly-pressurized setting is executed masterfully. It’s brilliantly written, thought-provoking, and enthralling. I’m very much looking forward to the next one!
With characters that evoke so many emotions while reading and descriptive world Building that allows the reader to easily visualize the story taking place this is sure to be one of my fave series of 2020! Action, suspense & a dash of romance this is a must read for all dystopian, urban fantasy fans. Excited to see what happens next
If I could give it 3 1/2 stars I would! I feel very divided about this book. I need to say upfront, the first person present-tense is my least favorite POV and this book is written in that. I’m trying to put that aside and give a fair review. I read the prequel and was immediately pulled into the world and story. I loved it! (It was also in First-person present tense) I’m not sure if it was the editing or me but this was harder to enjoy. I will say Dex and Wren are amazing characters and really made me want to continue reading. My favorite chapter was between Dex and his Father. It was so compelling and makes me want to read the next book.
This is a Fantastic read. That had me on the edge of my seat. It has epic scenes that are written so well, I felt like I was right there watching it play out. The Authors have done a fantastic job on the storyline amd bringing out the characters. I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
Rising is the first book of the series, but there is also Burning which is a prequel to this series. I suggest you read it as well. But back to Rising. This story is absolutely amazing. The characters are written so well. They felt like real people to me. Easy to distinguish one character from the next. They way they go about their problem solving is just like any of us would. And the world they live in. The struggles they face to survive day to day has you feeling like you are there right next to them. These authors have created something that is so absolutely wonderful that it seems impossible. I definitely recommend reading this series. You’ll fall in love with it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. So glad I was asked to read it. I definitely don’t regret it and can’t wait for book 2!
„Rising“ is the first full length book on the upcoming Burning Series (a prequel “Burning. After the Thaw” is also available. The events of Burning take place seventeen years after the prequel and show the further development in Askala’s society. The previously knowledge of event related in the prequel is not necessary to fully enjoy the story, as all pertinent information is given in “Rising”. Nevertheless, I would recommend reading both (whichever the order) as the story is highly interesting and does not overlap.
Askala, is in fact Alaska in an undetermined future, after a climatic cataclysm has rendered the planet for the most part inhabitable. The survivors have created a new society based on the capability of each one of them to improve the living environment and heal the planet. To do so the members of the community are divided in Bounded and Unbounded. Only the Bounded are allowed to actively shape the society and procreate, while the Unbounded are “well cared for”. A closely look shows that not everything is so straightforward as the ones in charge would like everybody to believe. To assure that only the worthy become Bounded, every person must go through the Proving at the age of 16, the outcome of this test will determine his or her position in society.
Outside of Askala, which is surrounded by an acidic ocean, there are also survivors, called Remnants, which way of life is supposedly violent and threat to the environment, the ground the Askalans cut all bridges to the mainland. However, every Remnant that successfully reach the beach of Askala (after sailing in an acidic ocean and surviving the attack of shark-like creatures) is allowed to stay.
“Rising” tells the story of the 9 teenagers, who must endure this year’s proving. Three of them (Dex, Kian and Nova) are the children of the main characters depicted in the prequel, who are joined by five other Askalans (Shiloh, Fern, Felicia, Jay and Thom) and a recently stranded Remnant (Wren).
“Rising” is without doubt the best dystopian series I have ever read, is highly entertaining, a page turner (I literally could not put it down until the very last page), and great adventure. But what really sets “Rising” apart, is the very carefully crafted world, with the right amount of dystopia and social critique, that keeps the reader constantly questioning the values and drawbacks of the system.
The characters, even the secondary ones, are tridimensional and serve purpose to the story. The main characters (Dex, Kian, Nova and Wren) are likeable and steal our hearts in different ways, but also the secondary characters, even the unlikable ones behave in a comprehensible way, that allow the reader to understand the strengths and flaws of the system.
Tamar Sloan and Heidi Catherine have created a wonderful world, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Their writing is fluid and nuanced, with a very good editing and a powerful message, all of it embedded in a fantastic story.
Rising: After the Thaw (The Thaw Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Heidi Catherine (Author), Tamar Sloan (Author)
Finally, a worthy successor to The Hunger Games and The 100. This a combination of Ender’s Game and The Breakfast Club
Set in a world after the polar caps have melted and the planet is becoming more and more toxic to not just humans, but every single living organism, this book is a break out from the typical dystopian young adult novel with it’s extremely accurate, if depressing, depiction of what future generations will face if humans don’t take action.
Nova and the love of her life, Kian, live in a world split into the Bound and the Unbound on the beached cruise ship. The Bound will continue the human race and take important positions. The Unbound cannot carry on the human race, and they are not involved in the different types of work on the Oasis. The Bound and the Unbound are judged by a testing process call the Proving. Everything seems to be going right until a girl from outside the Oasis comes ashore and takes a place in the Proving.
The characters are fairly well sketched and avoid most of the worst of stereotypes. The teenagers are the focus of the story, Nova, Kian, Dex, Thom, Fern, Felicia, Shiloh and Wren. Nova, Kian, Dex and Wren share the job of being the focus of the third person narrative.
I do have one complaint. I wish there were a map in this book. Even though it might have tipped Ms. Catherine and Ms. Sloan’s hand about the location, it would be easier to picture this future world. There is also the question of if they can barely feed themselves and have little to no contact with outsiders, where did they get all those wonderful toys – tech seems easy to get after the apocalypse.
The story and the characters take on a deeper meaning as each of the young people involved represent not only the Bound positions they would take over, but types of humans. For instance, Nova is the heart – she cares deeply and wants to heal everyone and everything. Dex is the human need to persevere, overcome perceived disabilities. Kian is the protector and so on.
There is also a conversation occurring between the lines – how do we protect the planet and still protect humans. Is our duty to tame the planet or the be stewards of Earth herself? This level and discussion which brings the comparisons to The Hunger Games series. The way the characters are tested brings forth a feeling like that in Ender’s Game, where they must solve a mystery or finish a task. These levels make this such an important new series in the genre.
Narration is in the present tense, making the story seem more urgent, more real. The story ramps up as the danger of being Unbound becomes more and more possible. Finished with a cliffhanger that is both heart wrenching and satisfying.
A really good entry into the large field of YA Dystopian Sci-fi with a message like the Hunger Games, with a world as well built as the Divergent series and a society as deep and interesting as the Giver. Lastly the various trials bring Ender’s Game to mind.
5 out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Rising-After-Thaw-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0815W12YF
I love this entire series. One of my favorites! This is a great dystopian series and I love how I just could not stop reading for hours on end!
After reading and loving the prequel Burning, I was certainly eager to read Rising the first book in the After The Thaw Series.
I really love the covers of the book series, featuring the birds that become even more relevant to those that live in Askala in this book. I think using the different coloured birds on the different books will make these books really cohesive as a series and stand out together on a book store shelf.
This book is centred on the children of the main characters that Burning was focused on. Though the now older characters that we met in Burning still feature fairly strongly in this book too. The genres I have seen listed for this book/series are Sci-Fi & Dystopian & Post Apocalyptic which I totally agree with but would add futuristic and climate-fiction to that list too.
Before the book plot reveals the proving, and those who will be serving as the new High Bound something else even more rare happens. Dex is sitting on the beach when he spots some sort of boat/raft on the ocean full of people, remnants, obviously trying to get across the ocean from the Outlands to Askala. As explained in the prequel should any remnant step foot on the land of Askala they automatically gain the right to stay there and are given food, shelter, medical care and anything else they should need. Basically, they are unquestionably accepted into the community.
The book is about the next generation and the fact they are approaching their proving, and also like in Burning the next generation of High Bounds are to be chosen again. This time there are nine teens that are sixteen so expected to be taking part in the proving to decide who will Bound to care for those not bound and the future of the earth and who will be Unbound and live a more carefree lifestyle and be cared for by those chosen as the Bound. The sixteen-year olds proving will consist of four tests taken over seven consecutive days. The nine teenagers taking part this time are lovebirds Nova and Kian, Dex, Jay, Shiloh, Felicia, Thom, Fern and Wren. Though as it says in the blurb the four teens central to the plot are Nova, Kian, Dex and Wren. The first of the four tests seem really simple, yet the teenagers really start to over think what their best option is to approach and complete the task they are set.
The remaining three asks become more and more complicated and dangerous with one character dying in task three. Task four see’s one character run off alone giving up on completing the task at all and another seemingly double crossing both her own teammates and her competitors hoping to take the prize and credit all for herself.
Finally, all the tests are completed and each remaining teen has to have their chip fitted and a small operation if they are found to be Unbound. This “small operation” is something that was being considered at the very end of Burning. A resolution had to be found and put into practice to prevent anyone who is Unbound masquerading as a Bound.
The characters from Burning that were in Rising, that I still adored were Amity and Magnus who are happily married though older and wiser. It is clear that Magnus has had some difficult decisions to make to secure a future for Askala and earth. Some of these actions have been quite drastic, and not all have been supported by the whole of the High Bound council. Amity is continuing her mother Kiminas legacy looking after the pteropods and trying to increase their breeding capacity to secure a better diet and future for those that live in Askala. Despite the horrendous set back the pteropods breeding programme took in Burning. Life became quite difficult for both the Bound and Unbound when pteropods were in extremely short supply. In fact, the female Bound in Amity’s generation suffered the most with some having multiple miscarriages before their nutrition improved enough to support them and their pregnancies.
Of the older character’s featured I have to admit my opinion of Callix didn’t really improve, some of the tests he set were so dangerous and came across a little callous how they turned out. My opinion of Mercy changed and I felt quite sympathetic towards her and her child because of the fact Callix seems to have shut himself off in the lab over the years developing the proving tests, so didn’t spend much time with either if them. Though in this book he does apologise for being somewhat of an absentee parent/husband.
Of the teens taking part in the proving I quickly became attached to Nova who works in the medical wing. Though she struggles with the different levels of medical treatment on offer to Bounds and Unbounds. For example, equipment for stitches are in short supply so if a Bound has a cut they will be given stitches where an Unbound will merely be bandaged up. It doesn’t sit well with Nova who thinks medical treatment should be given equal to all.
Nova’s good friend is Kian, they are usually found together or on the way to the other. They both wish for a future together and know they want claim each other after the proving. Kian strives to do his best in everything and shows a special interest in the pteropods and their future breeding programs.
The character I absolutely adored was Dex, who was attacked as a child by a hooded Unbound. The attacker cut off his left hand, and obviously the proving carries extra stress for him. From being able to perform all the tasks as good as the other teenagers who have two hands to the whole inserting of his chip at the proving. The chip that differentiates you from being Unbound or Bound. The chip allows the individual to open the different doors to the areas on the Oasis where those in Askala live. The Unbound live in the higher levels of the Oasis, where as the Bounds live on the lower levels and are deemed worthy to have children. Dex has a great sense of humour and uses it often to put the other teens at ease during the tasks. Sadly, he feels inferior and thinks he is looked at as inferior because he has no left hand. He does feel extra stress asking questions as to where his chip will be placed as he has no left hand? If he is Bound where will he wear his ring, as everyone else wears it on their left hand? There is also the question of if he is Unbound how will the procedure to tell him apart form a Bound be completed, as that procedure also concerns the left hand.
The character I was unsure of, then grew to love, then wasn’t totally sure what to think about as the book went on, was Wren. Though overall, I have to admit to having a soft spot for her and looking forward to more from her. Wren has a different outlook compared to the majority of the other teens, and the adult Bound and Unbounds so I will be interested to read more about her and what changes she may end up in a position to have a say in. Will she attempt to change any of the laws or traditions. I am also highly anticipating the revealing of which of the new Bounds will become the new High Bounds and what jobs they will choose to undertake.
I totally love the world building, society, traditions, and way of life. It is so well thought out and really detailed. This book plot hooked me straight away and held me captive until the very end. I liked the element of trying to work out which new teen character belonged to which adult character previously featured in Burning. Obviously, the adult character parents and main character teens relationships are revealed as the book plot unfolds. I think there is so much more to come for both ages of characters as well as the potential for more Outlander characters to be introduced as well.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing Rising were Wow! Just what is the fallout going to be in the aftermath of the Proving? What did Callix mean by his comment to his son saying there were changes coming soon to Askala? What will happen when the war that has been mentioned as coming, arrives at Askala? Is the red-haired Phoenix related to who I think he is? I am seriously looking forward to reading more, wishing I had the next instalment in this series to start reading right now!
To sum up, this book, no, this series is highly addictive reading! And I can’t reveal what it was but what a cliff hanger!! I was (im)patiently waiting for this book after reading the prequel but, oh I am sooo eagerly, (im)patiently, enthusiastically, and excitedly awaiting the next book, which is called Breaking! So, I guess I will have to start counting down the days to the release of Breaking in February. If you love dystopian, futuristic, or climatic fiction you need to start reading this series now!
The prequel, Burning, introduced you to Askala, and in Rising you get to experience a Proving through the eyes of some of those characters’ children as well as a surprising new comer. These 4 teens will face challenges that test their abilities, put their survival on the line, and ultimately determine their fates. Suspense, action, and budding romance fill the pages as twists and secrets draw you into this story. Some characters you will like, others you will hate, but regardless, you’ll find yourself rooting for these teens to succeed. Told from Kian, Nova, Dex, and Wren’s viewpoints you get to see how each of them feels as the book takes you on a journey that the results of which will effect all of their lives. Ending on a bit of a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these four and how they will face the challenges ahead of them in the rest of the series.
For readers of Hunger Games, Maze Runner, The 100 and Divergent. A group of young adults are put to the test to see who will be Bound or Unbound with survival as the prize for all. My favorite character was Dex. Wren, even though she was a bit prickly, was my second. Story was steady paced. We learn more about the Remnants and how it is where they live. Characters from the prequel are in this one but older and their kids are doing the challenge. Ending was a cliffhanger.