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Rising Up: Book One in the Tranquility Series
A science fiction dystopian saga full of mystery and romance
2021 YA WINNER OF THE INDIE AUTHOR PROJECT FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA!
“Ross' addition to the dystopian genre leaves teen readers with an understanding that their emotions hold great power, adult readers with an appreciation of metaphor and imagery, and all readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.” Deanna Bennet, Librarian, Vista Unified School District A city under glass. A girl under pressure. When secrets come out, which one will break first? Sixteen-year-old empath Ember Vinata is devastated by her mother’s mysterious death. But in a disease-free domed metropolis where happiness is electronically monitored and enforced, expressing her grief means exile to The Outside. The only person who can help her is a smoking-hot government agent. When strange prophetic dreams compel her to investigate, and she discovers the source of the fatal illness, Ember is stunned to discover the perfect city in which she lives is nothing like it seems. And when her new boyfriend appears to be torn between seeking justice and remaining loyal to his oaths, she fears there is no one she can trust… …Or would her world be rocked by a criminal from The Outside? Ember’s quest for the truth could set her free – or make her a captive pawn. Rising Up is the thrilling first book in The Tranquility YA dystopian sci-fi series. If you like determined heroines, the power of emotions, and fighting injustice, then you’ll love Tanya Ross’s raw crusade.
2021 YA WINNER OF THE INDIE AUTHOR PROJECT FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA!
“Ross' addition to the dystopian genre leaves teen readers with an understanding that their emotions hold great power, adult readers with an appreciation of metaphor and imagery, and all readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.” Deanna Bennet, Librarian, Vista Unified School District A city under glass. A girl under pressure. When secrets come out, which one will break first? Sixteen-year-old empath Ember Vinata is devastated by her mother’s mysterious death. But in a disease-free domed metropolis where happiness is electronically monitored and enforced, expressing her grief means exile to The Outside. The only person who can help her is a smoking-hot government agent. When strange prophetic dreams compel her to investigate, and she discovers the source of the fatal illness, Ember is stunned to discover the perfect city in which she lives is nothing like it seems. And when her new boyfriend appears to be torn between seeking justice and remaining loyal to his oaths, she fears there is no one she can trust… …Or would her world be rocked by a criminal from The Outside? Ember’s quest for the truth could set her free – or make her a captive pawn. Rising Up is the thrilling first book in The Tranquility YA dystopian sci-fi series. If you like determined heroines, the power of emotions, and fighting injustice, then you’ll love Tanya Ross’s raw crusade.
260 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2019
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 9, 2021
Tanya Ross in her novel 'Rising Up' unveils a dystopian world in which people, young and old wear a wrist device that measures their happiness levels.
You may think what a great idea, or doesn't this mean we can get early treatment for people with depression?
But think on a deeper level. Can happiness can be measured? Should it be measured and isn't this an invasion of our basic right to privacy?
According to the world in which Ember lives, happiness can be measured and is. In fact the more happy and smiling a person is, the more successful they become for, like points given in a video game they may rise to level 18 where all the best housing, top job opportunities and healthy food is kept in abundance for the few lucky, so very happy people. The image seems almost repugnant, like the scene in the old movie Soylent Green where a young woman is asked if she is fun. And of course she adopts a veneer of being happy.
I think the idea of 'putting your best foot forward every day' brings its own stress. I believe this is true right across society, no matter the country in which we reside. So many times I've been greeted at work or social events with 'Good morning. How are you?' Would any of us really respond with a negative recital of our ills, woes and/or secret despair.
Especially at risk, are youth in their every day quest to navigate their way through high school.
Like Tanya Ross, I too was a high school teacher before I became an author.
I am well aware people don't often show their true selves online but adopt a personna of positivity which they feel socially obliged to display.
The internet in particular can be devastating to both adults and youth. I've seen first hand how youth can be emotionally damaged by negative online attacks and even by a simple emoji.
Throughout high school, the basic requirement of emotional survival is a positive attitude, upbeat personality and a smile to encompass this ideal.
This book is well written with believable characters and a quest any one of us would be honored to be called in support of. We as parents, teachers and youth need to light the embers and guide society back to a reality where it's ok not to be ok.
You may think what a great idea, or doesn't this mean we can get early treatment for people with depression?
But think on a deeper level. Can happiness can be measured? Should it be measured and isn't this an invasion of our basic right to privacy?
According to the world in which Ember lives, happiness can be measured and is. In fact the more happy and smiling a person is, the more successful they become for, like points given in a video game they may rise to level 18 where all the best housing, top job opportunities and healthy food is kept in abundance for the few lucky, so very happy people. The image seems almost repugnant, like the scene in the old movie Soylent Green where a young woman is asked if she is fun. And of course she adopts a veneer of being happy.
I think the idea of 'putting your best foot forward every day' brings its own stress. I believe this is true right across society, no matter the country in which we reside. So many times I've been greeted at work or social events with 'Good morning. How are you?' Would any of us really respond with a negative recital of our ills, woes and/or secret despair.
Especially at risk, are youth in their every day quest to navigate their way through high school.
Like Tanya Ross, I too was a high school teacher before I became an author.
I am well aware people don't often show their true selves online but adopt a personna of positivity which they feel socially obliged to display.
The internet in particular can be devastating to both adults and youth. I've seen first hand how youth can be emotionally damaged by negative online attacks and even by a simple emoji.
Throughout high school, the basic requirement of emotional survival is a positive attitude, upbeat personality and a smile to encompass this ideal.
This book is well written with believable characters and a quest any one of us would be honored to be called in support of. We as parents, teachers and youth need to light the embers and guide society back to a reality where it's ok not to be ok.
December 28, 2022
Tranquility, the perfect town, crime is non existent, or so it seems. People wear their 'Alts' on their wrists, which measure their emotions and keeps their life scores. Ember is one resident, waiting by her sick mum's bedside in hospital hoping she can pull through, supported by her friend Will. Xander is another resident who rebels and then gets banished from Tranquility to the Outside.
As you turn the pages you start to wonder if Tranquility is too perfect. Is the ruler, Serpio, a kind and innocent man? How exactly does he maintain order? What's happened to Ember's mum and can she find out who's responsible? What lies in wait outside for Xander? Will he just accept his fate and walk away?
I couldn't stop reading as the story slowly unfolds, the characters wonderfully introduced, and the destinies of Ember, Will and Xander finally crossing in an exciting plot. I personally believe that this story was very much inspired by Orwell's '1984' or Huxley's 'Brave New World' and Ross uses those ideas perfectly for her own story. Worth adding to your reading list if you like sci-fi and suspense.
As you turn the pages you start to wonder if Tranquility is too perfect. Is the ruler, Serpio, a kind and innocent man? How exactly does he maintain order? What's happened to Ember's mum and can she find out who's responsible? What lies in wait outside for Xander? Will he just accept his fate and walk away?
I couldn't stop reading as the story slowly unfolds, the characters wonderfully introduced, and the destinies of Ember, Will and Xander finally crossing in an exciting plot. I personally believe that this story was very much inspired by Orwell's '1984' or Huxley's 'Brave New World' and Ross uses those ideas perfectly for her own story. Worth adding to your reading list if you like sci-fi and suspense.
January 6, 2024
Rising Up: Book One in the Tranquility Series is a dystopian story of the inhabitants of Tranquility who are forced to be happy, or else. A group of Elites rule society and the people have to wear an ALT meter which monitors every thought. Positive actions and thoughts are rewarded with points while negative thoughts are demerits. Too many negative thoughts cause banishment. What a clever setting. Forcing people to be happy or face the consequences might seem like a good idea, after all, laughter is the best medicine, right?
The world-building in this story is excellent. The characters seem real with deep emotions and realistic problems. I felt for Ember who doesn't understand in a world of no sickness or disease, how her mother suddenly gets sick. Before she dies though, she whispers something to Ember, but what does it mean?
I cheered for Ember and her friends as they tried to uncover the sinister world behind the tranquil curtain. The story ends leaving you wanting more. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the dystopian genre.
The world-building in this story is excellent. The characters seem real with deep emotions and realistic problems. I felt for Ember who doesn't understand in a world of no sickness or disease, how her mother suddenly gets sick. Before she dies though, she whispers something to Ember, but what does it mean?
I cheered for Ember and her friends as they tried to uncover the sinister world behind the tranquil curtain. The story ends leaving you wanting more. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the dystopian genre.
July 2, 2023
Fast paced with multilayered characterisation, this dystopian story has all the elements of corruption, crime, romance, solidarity and friendship anyone could want whilst under the misleading umbrella of an unnerving sea of tranquility! A great read. Would throughout recommend 😀
October 6, 2021
No comment.
October 29, 2023
This is the first book I've read from this author. I highly enjoyed the dystopian world. The plot flowed well, and the dialogue was well-done too.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews