Aaron Safronoff

** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **

This fantastical story is fun, full of adventure and interesting characters. The interaction between the species introduced in the book and the gorgeous, fascinating world they reside in was very well written. I would definitely recommend this book to pre-teens and up, especially if they love fantasy, nature or animals. The amazing pictures showcasing the world and its residents are just the icing on the cake! Can't wait to see where this story goes next!… (mais)

Welcome to a world called Cerulean, a world unlike any other. The different groups who inhabit Cerulean all live in The Loft, the upper reaches of the great trees. We first meet Barra, a Listlespur, and her two friends Tory and Plicks. From the first page I was caught up in the high jinks of these three teen-aged Arboreals. Barra is somewhat fearless and loves to go off exploring. In this manner she is like her deceased father. When Barra finds her father’s old journals, she is amazed to learn that his experiments and exploring have taken him far beyond the forbidden Middens; she is also amazed to read that he was on the trail of what caused the Creepervine that has taken over every living space and is slowly blocking out the natural light in the Loft. But before her father could finish his scientific investigations he met an untimely death. Now The Loft is growing increasingly darker and vegetation is no longer lush and plentiful. A life without light is now the destiny of the Arboreals. Assisted by Plicks and Tory, Barra heads off to search for the cause of the Creepervine. What follows is an adventure into the unknown that ends in a life and death confrontation with the evil that lurks just beneath the surface.

I loved this book in so many different ways that it’s impossible to count them all. The story is vibrant and refreshing with characters that are endearing when they should be and deliciously evil when warranted. Who doesn’t love a good villain? Along the way are plenty of characters that are easily identifiable yet unique. The story is easy to follow but because it is set in a fantasy world the author and publisher have provided the reader with beautifully illustrated layouts, many of them double page spread. These help the reader become immersed in the story in a special way. The plot is suitable for middle school readers who are looking for an escape and a super-hero in the same story. No off-color language although emphasis for emotion is portrayed through the characters’ tone of voice. Younger children may find two or three of the character’s scary but not terribly so. I was impressed with the design of the book as well. I like that each of the printed sections of the book were first bound by thread before being pressed together. Altogether, a quality book for the price. And I thought the twist at the end was terrific.

The author has a website where readers can become immersed in the Sunborn world with background, interactive games, and more; a great way to keep the story alive while we await the next book. I can easily see this series becoming an Avatar-like movie in the future.… (mais)

I was first introduced to Mr. Safronoff when I read the first book in the Sunborn Rising series. That book was more like an experience then just reading. I could not stop reading the book. This book was actually written and published back in 2011. Yet, it has been revamped some and republished. I like that at the beginning of this book Mr. Safronoff talks about how he came up with the concept of this story and that he honors the first readers by trying to not alter the story too much. Mr. Safronoff goes on to explain that to him the whole experience of writing is not a mechanical process to him; thus that is the reason why I believe that his books are so good as each one means something to him and it shows. I know I had no problems connecting with the characters, storyline, and the overall concept of this book. Just like Sunborn Rising I had an easy time reading this book. I plan to check out the next book, Fallen Spire in this series. This book did have a bit of the Matrix and Limitless featuring Bradley Cooper feel to it which I enjoyed. Plus, if this is what the fusion of cyberpunk and fantasy looks like then I am all in. Joshua is the wild card in this story. I look forward to seeing if he does come out on top in the next book.… (mais)

The world of Cerulean seems ideal, a world of forests floating on an ocean around a star; a variety tree top creatures,called Arboreals live among the woven together tree tops. However, their light has been slowly diminishing and the threat of the Creepervine from below has been slowly making its way to the treetops. Barra Swiftspur, a young Listlespur has found her father's diary that documents the Creepervine. After her father's death from the Creepervine Barra and her friends Plicks and Tory want to save their world from the Creepervine, but it will be dangerous and they will have to travel to what seems like a whole other beneath the treetops, beneath the Fall.

Sunborn Rising is an absolutely grand adventure in a wonderful world. Meant for middle-grade audiences, I was still absolutely fascinated by the world of Cerulean, the characters and their quest. The world building was magnificent. At first I thought I would have some trouble picturing this world of trees on an ocean, but I loved all of the descriptions of the woven together tree tops, the dwellings that were created, the unique animals that were often combinations of two animals that we know (my favorite is definitely the Kolalabat) and each of the environments. The vibrant, detailed pictures helped with this and added an extra element to the world of Cerulean. Barra, Tory and Plicks were awesome characters. They each have different personalities, strengths and weaknesses but manage to work together and use their strengths to navigate beneath the fall. Overall, this is an exciting middle-grade adventure that has enough excitement for everyone.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mais)