Sunset Rising

weak at times

"Sunset Rising" the innovative and imaginative post- apocalyptic novel by S.M. McEachern blends intrigue and romance with fast-paced action that begins in a world over 283 years after a devastating global nuclear attack. In a bio-dome that had been prepared for government and military survivors, society has disintegrated into "the bourge" an elite ruling class living above ground and " urchins" the descendants of the villagers who stormed the structure looking for a safe haven during the nuclear holocaust who inhabit the murky gloom of "the Pit."

As mining slaves in the dark, uncertain atmosphere of "the Pit" the urchins working for credits to survive are beaten and brutalized by "the Domers", their thriving population "culled" at age thirty-five. In this setting Sunset (Sunny) O'Donnell a seventeen year old haunted by the death of her mother, a sickly father and the pressure of a muscular miner, Reyes Crowe who wants to marry her is forced to work as a server/plaything at a bachelor party for the future son-in-law of President Damien Holt. What she doesn't expect is to become immersed in the deadly plan of the President's daughter; one that has Sunny facing charges of treason and escaping with Leisel 's fiancé Jack Kenner.

In a fast-paced plot where the action never stops Sunny and Jack flee for their lives to "the Pit" where they begin stirring a spirit of a rebellion among the oppressed. In a story that twists and turns and vibrates with excitement, the author quickly builds an intensity and suspense that leaves the reader breathless. Underlying all the misery, pain, lies, betrayal readers are captivated by stronger elements of hope and love amid all the turmoil that leave them addicted from the prologue to a climax that begs for a sequel.

The characters are well-developed, unforgettable and realistic; perfected with a complexity to their personalities that adds power, passion and depth to the drama. Sunset O'Donnell (aka Autumn Jones) a young urchin with red hair and a deep love for her father and her people is brave, selfless and loyal. Well-meaning, caring but somewhat naive she easily falls prey to the deceit, manipulations and lies of Leisel Holt while trying to protect her best friend Summer Nazeem, a gentle, loving soul. Amidst all the scheming and a farcical wedding, Sunny finds herself escaping death with presidential heir Jack Kenner, a bourge enemy with an authoritative, superior attitude that masks a kind, protective nature. Together they not only begin stirring the notion of an uprising among her friends, but begin a romance that brings anger and pain to the unpredictable miner who loves her.

Reminiscent of popular novels like the Hunger Games, Divergent and The City of Ember S.M. McEachern has kindled a plot with remarkable characters that is intoxicating from the first chapter to the last. After reviewing the preview , I knew I had to read it and wasn't disappointed because" Sunset Rising" kept me totally enthralled. I rate it highly and look forward to reading the next exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of Sunny and Jack as they escape the clutches of an evil dictator and his malicious daughter.

Speechless. Okay. WOW! I have never been at a loss for words but I am now going to try to use some in a vain attempt to explain the overwhelming experience I had of being drawn into a novel so quickly and so wonderfully immersed in reading this gem of a book. I could not put your book down. Sunset Rising literally went everywhere i did. I skipped sleep. My computer went cold. I read instead of worked, and being on production pay meant nothing because Sunset Rising was well worth it. I skipped meals. I did not call friends and all calls to me went to voicemail. I skipped the holiday parties, did not play with firecrackers or sparklers or watch fireworks or the ball drop on New Year's eve or even toast the new year with champagne; all family traditions, and all of which did not matter while I was immersed in your engrossing novel and the gamut of emotions which overtook me. My experiences are all I have to try to explain how much I loved reading Sunset Rising and I wholeheartedly apologize for being so self centered about my own experiences that I cannot explain how wonderfully enchanting Sunset Rising is. I have never read something where I actually took the time to praise a book and author, but Sunset Rising has captured my heart and mind so intensely that I have to say I loved and adored Sunset Rising. My words seem so inept compared to the awe I have for this novel. Thank you is not even enough. Nope, I cannot come up with the words to do justice to the sparkling beauty of the diamond which is Sunset Rising.

What I Liked:
Sunset Rising, the first book, is an exhilarating dystopian series set inside a dome that is a fortress to protect that inside from the toxic life outside. Sunny our main character, is a citizen. Lives in the pit where those of the lowest status of citizenship live. She is forced unknowingly into playing a role of a rebellion leader, all for volunteering to help someone.
The interaction between sunny and jack is so heart-felt and natural that I had no problem falling in love with their forbidden romance, which is a consequence of unforeseen backstabbing by Jack's genuine love of his life. But unfortunately, Jack has no clue how things work in the pit or how hard the lives of the citizens there are.
Final Verdict:
Sunny and Jack are in not just a fight for themselves to survive the dice they have been dealt but also are determined to make things better for those they end up having to leave behind in their desperate escape. What they see outside of the dome is nothing like what they expect; of course, they have been lied to, and I can't wait to see what they uncover in book two. Will they make it back to the dome? Will they be able to make life better for everyone?

Really enjoyed the trilogy. It moved along quickly without dragging out the "drama". A great rainy day or vacation read.

Just finished this whole Trilogy and I loved it! The story, characters, and the way it narrates is fantastic! Hope to see more written by this author!