Three hundred years ago, something terrifying arose and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. Now, a small remnant – the ancestors of the few survivors who were able to escape the massacre below – lives above the clouds, on the top of a Mountain.
When they discover that their water supply is being poisoned Down Below, an expedition, including seventeen year-old girl Icelyn Brathius, must … Brathius, must descend and face the monsters, the Threat Below, that wiped out civilization centuries ago.
Icelyn quickly learns that all is not what it seems as she uncovers secrets hundreds of years old and struggles to stay alive in a world where no human is fit to survive.
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Most of you know, how much I adore the classic Little Women.
What you may not know is that I RELATE & Adore the character of JO‼
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This book, gave me, a relatable character, in the form of the protagonist ICELYN.
She is fierce, she’s mature, she’s innocent, loyal, wild & most of all she’s a free bird- who loves nature & freedom‼
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BRATHIUS LEGACY (history) BOOK-1
THE THREAT BELOW.
Written by @jslatshaw
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Published by Fernweh Books in United States
In
July, 2015.
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#qotd Do you like to read a standalone book or a series
#aotd I prefer to read series only when I have all the part‼
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508 pgs, 154 chapters- it’s a thick book but the amaziiiiiing Narrative makes its a PAGE TURNER‼
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It is fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, YA, dystopian all rolled into one‼
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Here’s the STORYLINE:
ICELYN is 17yrs old, daughter of the head of the MOUNTAIN TOP.
She is supposed to married to RINCAS sometime later but she is least interested in him.
She is always absorbed in some or the other adventure with ADORANE, her childhood friend.
The story talks about clans, class diversification, privileges & perks based on strata in society..
SO MountainTop is the peak of a mountain where this small population of people from the BRATHIUS legacy live.
They are forbidden to go below a certain level, where an age old wall is built, for protection.
There’s ultra bears, ultra lions & more danger looming down‼
Adorane takes Icelyn beyond the wall, in a fun adventure but what they saw there…leaves em running uphill for their life‼
Now, ppl on the mountain top survive mostly on the water pumped from the resources downhill..& now they suspect someone has poisoned the water there.
Who will go to see what is the cause & rectify it
More than the danger looming..there’s more to this story..
Mystery, magic, adventure & the TASTE OF FREEDOM.
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My favourite part of the story was, how Icelyn finds her true self on this journey.
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Read the book, if you wanna enjoy a perfectly written script‼
I am now READIng the next in the series.
Q- will I buy the paperback version of the book?
A- yesssss
I feel, all that this book needs is a beautiful embossed, foiled, hardcover.
4.5/5
#noorthebookwormreviews
#thethreatbelow
#brathiuslegacybookone
This little Gem popped up on my daily deals on my kindle and after reading the synopsis I thought I would give it a whirl, and I’m pleased to say i am glad I did as i really enjoyed the diverse story line which excited me. this book had me gripped. I also Icelyn and her personal journey of self discovery and how the author touched on this (which added to an extra star on this review). I really loved this read and was sad to come to the end.
A great read! I really did enjoy The Threat Below, a real fast-paced page-turner that I could not put down. Latshaw touches on some very important social topics too, which for me made the book all the more interesting. The characters have really quirky names and attitudes, Icelyn the main character was of course my favourite. I think other readers will find that this is a book that will not disappoint and I highly recommend.
“Not children of [G-d]. Nor subjects of Lords. Solely what we know; becoming greater by what we learn.”
Children teach their parents because they are curious? Or stupid? Or a little bit fearless? Maybe all of the above…or below. What saved the 100 souls left in their world above the cloudline was a resolve to keep to the safe, the same, the norms. But it must always continue that way?
In this absolutely fabulous YA dystopian Icelyn Brathius and a group must bravely descend below the cloud line and into the unknown to deal with the threat as their water above is slowly being tainted and people are slowly dying: and when there are only 100 above the Cloudline to begin with, these inquisitive young people resolve to find a way.
“Humans are the only creatures with impossible desires”. Will the desires of Icelyn, Addie and the others be realized? You’ll have to get swept away as I was to find out. Not only is this in some ways the best YA book I’ve tackled this year, but it is also is the kind of adventure that is age appropriately written for its target audience, although any intelligent adult will enjoy this book as well. The next one soon please Jason Latshaw? Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer:I received this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it]
Humanity was once a thriving population until a terrible threat almost ended them. Remaining survivors made their way high up into the mountains, where the Threat Below (as they became known) could not go.
Three hundred years later, humanity is surviving, broken into groups with their lives and jobs set out for them. Rigid rules are followed in order to keep the population thriving, as well as manageable.
It is soon discovered that the only supply of water for the entire Mountaintop has become poisoned. A decision is made and, despite no one setting foot outside The Wall in 300 years, a small regiment is sent Down Below to see what is causing the water poisoning and fix it.
Meanwhile, behind the regiment, follws Icelyn Brathius (next in line to rule the Mountaintop). She wants to be a part of the expedition and see what is Down Below. Little does she know that the secrets she uncovers will change everything.
For fans of YA Dystopian type reads, this is definitely for you. Great characters, world building and setting. It was easy to really picture the places and creatures described. I loved the way human life, before the Threat Below, is explained. It’s very creative!
Icelyn is a young yet strong female lead. She did irritate me a tad but that’s to be expected as she changes, adapts and grows. Adoradne is what I expected, a hard-headed, yet intelligent, boy who wants to test the limits placed and break the rules. It’s great lol. The comraderie between Icelyn and Adoradne is light, sarcastic and well… enjoyable. We all have that friend who can bring out the best..and the worst but is always steadfast in their friendship. Overall a really unique, and fun read.
I sincerely appreciate the author gifting me a copy of this E-Book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein, are mine and mine alone.
This book is a very fast paced story and full of action. The scene setting created such vivid imagery in my mind that fully submerged me into this apocalyptic world. The writer has a very natural talent for making fantasy worlds come to life for the reader. The characters were wonderful and so well developed I found myself fully engaged in their individual trials and tribulations, eager to discover their fate. I can’t wait to get on to the next one.
This book has so many elements for fans of all kinds of genres. A coming of age, post-apocalyptic, action fantasy that will have you gripped from the start. I found this more enjoyable than most fantasies as the main characters were human and this instantly made it more relatable for me. Admittedly the book was slow in parts but the suspense and action that came later on more than made up for that. I thought the plot was quite unique and a characters were very well developed and likeable. I’m so pleased I read it.
The threat below is a fantasy novel set in a post-apocalyptic world, starring a seventeen-year-old girl (Icelyn) who’s goal is to try and save her water supply. I don’t want to give too much information about the story (no spoilers), but I can say the writing is beautifully descriptive and the storyline moving, and I can’t wait to read the second. There are underlying themes of romance that build into a will they, won’t they scenario, the character development is fast-moving and very relatable (despite taking place in a fantasy setting.) I was initially put off by the length of the book, but this turned out not to be a problem because I was so compelled to find out what happened next. I really liked the juxtaposition between modern-day life and the setting of the story as so many comparisons can be made. What I appreciated most was the depth of each character and how, as each part of their history was unveiled, I understood more about what steered their actions and behaviour in the present. I can’t wait to read the second!
I have to say I really enjoyed the two very different sides of this book. The first part of the book being a more coming of age type story set in a dystopian world above the clouds and leading to a more thrilling and dangerous second half. It was really interesting and a great way to develop an attachment to the characters ready for the main plot. A little slow to begin with but the plot and twists make it so worth sticking with. A really immersive and thrilling book.
Beyond the eternal line of clouds that separates the terrible dangers of the valley from the arid but safe Mountaintop, a hundred humans, survivors of a great catastrophe, calling themselves “The Kith”, make their life in a closed, logical and materialistic community whose strict rules prevent the extinction of humanity, and which is clearly divided into two social classes: one of them educated and intellectual; the other physical, vigorous, conscious and dominating of their own bodies. Icelyn Brathius, heir to the ruling house, and Adorane Hailgard, son of a family of hunters, have a very close friendship that, if it went further, it would threaten the delicate fabric that the community has woven for generations. But when another much more immediate threat puts everyone’s life in check, Icelyn, Adorane and even Torrain (Icelyn’s bethroted) are forced to undertake a very dangerous adventure to save humanity, discover their history, mature and prevent the imbalance from wiping out much more than they have known living high up the mountain.
This novel is full of danger, emotion, adventure, death, intense verbal and psychological confrontations and introspection, and also proposes very incisive questions about our human nature, and a very intelligent criticism of that foolish habit that we have of labeling everything and taking things (and people) for granted. In a world already once devastated by the fatal touch of our violent, arrogant and hypocritical species (and by the implacable balance of the universe), another species —a hybrid one— develops majestic, but at the same time susceptible to great pain coming from two blades, thanks to its double nature. Humans, once gods of their own destinies and owners of paradise without knowing it, become idols locked in an urn at the top of the world, untouchable selfish beings worthy of worship, but at the same time objects of detestation and infinite hatred emanating from their own creation.
This novel is beautiful, I totally recommend it. Characters grow at their own pace and make realistic decisions: sometimes extremely mature, sometimes impulsive and wrong. The suspense of so many things in a dangerous balance is maintained during the more than one hundred and fifty chapters that, as it happens in good books, pass like running water. The plot is complex, but very clear, the characters are endearing, and the ending, neither as white as the clouds border nor as dark as a submerged city, is just perfect. As an extra point in favor: the non-human characters have elementary similarities with us, but I have found it very fortunate that, unlike what happens in many other stories, they do not think or act as we would.
I love post apocalyptic novels and it has been awhile since I have read one that I enjoyed this much! The main character is 17 years old and is facing changes in his life that show him that what he thought he knew of his world, is not always true.
I began reading this book and soon found myself unable to put it down! I love the pacing, action, adventure, dystopian worlds, and the creative world building is astounding. The character growth was well written and I thought the plot of the story was written in a way that kept the story moving forward.
Although this is a young adult fantasy novel, I would recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, dystopian based stories. Very impressive debut!
I groaned when I came across this book. It had an obvious title (which is fine, but it was so “on the nose” I was concerned for the story) and the first thing I saw was “water supply” and “atop a mountain” and thought this was like The 100 series meets the (newer) Mad Max movie. Boy, was I wrong. The author has created a rich, and diverse, universe. I found myself enjoying the characters but falling in love with the world they lived in. The characters were written well, and the main cast had some depth, but as the story starts and weaves in and out of first person I had trouble really connecting to anyone except the main character at first. The POV does shift, as some of it is first person present, and some chapters show the world beyond what Icelyn should see or know (3rd person). This was a bit confusing for me, and felt a bit unnatural to go from Icelyn’s direct thoughts and perspectives to seeing the camera lens shift to the world around her (Chapter 9 is where I first noticed this).
We start with Icelyn, and we grow and learn with her as she embarks on a journey for knowledge, with a slight fear and Adorane at her side, she manages to do a lot more than just learn new things. She, along with the people around her, grow as individuals. My favorite character is Torrain, though, who seems to be the strongest (in terms of will and resilience), and shows the most potential in subsequent stories (in my opinion) to be a key player.
The writing style is pretty clever (like the way we learn Icelyn’s name, which divests from the dialogue reveal we see all too often in first person stories) and never feels like the author is flaunting this cleverness (as some authors tend to do).
This Young Adult novel is Jason Latshaw’s debut book, and he’s set the bar high. Though clearly of the YA genre, this dystopian story will appeal to readers of any age who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and love triangles. It’s also a book, quite unusual for a YA novel, that will appeal equally to both males and females.
The story itself is original and intriguing, with heaps of excitement and fast-paced action. The characters are intricately developed, and it’s impossible not to find yourself invested in how events unfold for them. The scene descriptions are so enchanting that all senses are set alight. Latshaw has proven himself to be an imaginative and intelligent writer, with a skill for maintaining pace and interest while not neglecting character and plot development. This is a highly recommended read of an epic tale that serves as truly indulgent and enjoyable escapism.
The Threat Below by Jason Latshaw begins with a civilization that lives up on the mountain top, above the clouds. Their society is small with three main social groups that comprise of leaders, laborers, and scholars. With their limited resources they can only allow a hundred people. Nicolas Brathius leads with group, but the people wait the time when his daughter, Icelyn is crowned. But Nicolas is manipulated and his daughter is banished. When her friend takes her place she must try to stop him, no matter the monsters on the other side of the wall.
I could not give accurately convey the suspense and anticipation that Jason Latshaw weaves within the pages of The Threat Below. At first the plot seems simple enough, but it unfolds into a more thrilling and complex story. The pace quickens as danger creeps closer to the characters. I love how Icelyn adapts quickly as she is forced into difficult situations. Her loyalty makes her a great leader that her community recognized from her youth. She learns from her mistakes and faces the truth about the lies pasted down for generations. This novel gives us a glimpse into the factitious world of the author and realms in which he lives when he steps out of reality.
One of my favourite genres is YA fantasy – I’ve loved the genre after reading my first Terry Pratchett novel almost 20 years ago. The post-apocalyptic offering – The Threat Below – from Jason Latshaw is so good. It’s not just a novel about saving the world, but also a coming-of-age tale for the protagonist Icelyn. Throughout her journey to the world below to determine why the water for her community living above the cloudline has become polluted, she discovers more about herself. The book challenges topics like class differences, religions, violence, and racism for a story that is so relevant today, particularly for teenagers who are bombarded with opinions on social media. The Threat Below shows the importance of forming your own sense of morality and being kind and curious.
The Threat Below (Brathius History, #1) by Jason Latshaw is a post-apocalyptic book for the YA audience that packs a punch and is beautifully written. The “threat below” could be anything that is disruptive or different in your life, an event that proves to be life-changing. That appears to be the overarching undercurrent message here, wrapped in a science fiction package. Icelyn is a well described character, one who carries the expansive story well. She rises to the many challenges she faces with courage and intelligence. Fine writing makes this a must read that will entertain older folks as well, not just the YA age group. Well done, and looking forward to book two in this promising futuristic series.
California author Jason Latshaw challenges young adult readers with this epic tome written in 2015, his official debut publication. The writing is imaginative and rich in fantasy and in a concept of a dystopian future, blended so well to offer a stage of discovery for the questions about life that begin to gel in the teenage years. The book is lengthy, yet the writing is of the quality that holds the reader’s interest throughout. After completing this novel, we are in suspense as to where Book 2 of the series, yet to be written, will advance. Perhaps, having attained his MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA and his history of writing television and film scripts, the next step in this adventure will be cinematic… In addition to THE THREAT BELOW, Jason’s other books are A SON LIKE HIS FATHER and THE GIRL WHO ENDED THE DROUGHT. He lives in Los Angeles.
‘The Threat Below’ is the label assigned to the Great Death, that event that (nearly) wipes out the human race, and the post-apocalyptic future of those humans who survive that event becomes a dwelling place on Mountaintop – a peak that is protected by clouds and allows the survivors to look down the mountain at the forbidden area. There are two classes of people – Cognates (the elite intellectuals) and Veritas (worker class) – and the lead character is a Cognate, one Icelyn, who embodies the strengths and virtues that propel this tale of struggle of good versus evil.
In a tale of this magnitude it is wise to study the synopsis the author offers, a fine preparation for the events that follow: ‘Three hundred years ago, a lethal and mysterious threat arose and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. Now, a small remnant – the descendants of the few survivors who escaped the massacre below – lives above the clouds, atop a mountain. When they discover their water supply is being poisoned, an expedition, including seventeen year-old Icelyn Brathius, must descend and face the horror that wiped out civilization centuries ago. As Icelyn faces dangers in a world humans are not meant to survive, she learns that not everything is as it seems, uncovers an ancient revelation, and faces a choice that will change the fate of everyone above and below the clouds. Will Icelyn be strong enough to survive – and bear a terrible secret?’
Jason’s writing skills are so polished that the various characters he creates become tangible and credible, young adults facing the concepts of morality, the meaning of life, facing the fearful aspects of the future, and conquering. Not only is the story quite solid, but also issues Jason creates for his fine characters are significant and challenging. This is a very fine novel for the YA (and beyond!) audience. Highly recommended.
Another book from your 2015 TBR list. I have to admit, when I started reading this book, I got excited, as, to me, it seemed like a unique plot/storyline. Some other reviewers thought it was the same old boring troupes. In the world of writing, we are limited to a finite amount of storylines. It’s how the stories are presented that makes them unique. This one was presented very well.
The writing style threw me out of the story a few times as Jason switches from First Person POV Present to Third Person POW Past, though they are done at the start of each chapter. Still, I didn’t see any reason to keep switching back and forth as it should’ve been done in Third Person. As for the writing itself, Jason drew me into the story and characters with his beautifully written words and I couldn’t read fast enough to find out who, or what, the Threat was from down below.
Other reviewers criticized Jason’s portrayal of the main character, Icelyn. They thought she didn’t grow and stayed the same selfish person from start to finish. They were wrong. Icelyn’s character did change, just not the way they wanted. Sure, she was entitled and grew up selfish, but she was also the only child and heir of the Brathiuis family left. She would be their next leader. The caste system they grew up wouldn’t let her grow any other way. But, once she left Mountaintop, her eyes were opened to the lies and truth of their world. Unfortunately, she didn’t choose the path most readers wanted. Again, the decisions she made, good or bad, fit her character to the T. Once she found out her true lineage with the Threatbelow, she followed the only path she felt was left to her as she’d been betrayed by everyone else in Mountaintop. Or, so she thought.
Then, we get to the Drowned City and I found myself upset and disappointed. Reading the truth about Amperous, Omathis, and Brathius just raised more questions and none of them were answered properly. They were glossed over to get from Point B to Point D. Other reviewers mentioned these huge plot holes and inconsistencies. This time, I agree. But, even though I was disappointed, I still kept reading. I had to know what happened in the final confrontation between the remaining humans on Mountiantop and the Threatbelow.
This was supposed to be Book One of a series, but the second book was never written. TBH, I wouldn’t have bought it anyway. As far as I’m concerned, there weren’t any unresolved issues. We already knew where Icelyn stood. All in all, I did enjoy the story, and for only 99 cents, it’s well worth the cost of admission. I give it Three Stars.