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A Hero Rising (A New Dawn #3)

by Aubrie Dionne (Goodreads Author)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 40 ratings · 20 reviews

After watching his love leave on a colony ship, James Wilfred must save those left behind from a planetary apocalypse. Their salvation lies in an unfinished ship tucked away in a secret government base, and only James can break in and pilot him and his people to freedom on a nearby space station.

Skye O’Connor’s boyfriend never returns after his gang attempts an assassinati...more

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Published 2012 by Entangled Publishing, LLC

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May 06, 2012 Lissette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Earth as we know it no longer exists. Everywhere you turn there's death and destruction. The deadly Moonshiners wait in the shadows, ready to pounce on unsuspecting souls in order to curb the hunger that roils within them. Kill or be killed is the key to survival, something those remaining have come to know as each day goes by.

Realizing that life on Earth is no longer possible, the government has decreed that humanity must find another world in which to live, one that will make life very much po...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Marlene rated it 3 of 5 stars

This dual review was originally published at Book Lovers Inc.

Marlene: The story in A Hero Rising takes place directly after, or directly before, Tundra 37, depending on how you look at it. In Tundra 37, Mestasis, one of the twin Seers guiding the generation ship The Expedition, has detailed memory flashbacks of the doomed love affair she had with James, just before she left Earth.

James was a leader of one of the gangs, the Radioactive Hand of Dawn, and like Moses, he arranged for some of his peo...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, romance

This is the third in the New Dawn series by Aubrie Dionne, and this is the second book in this series that I have actually read. Somehow I missed #2. So I somewhat knew what to expect, and I would say that the author met my expectations.

I liked the fact that there is no profanity to speak of and no sex scenes. There is the classic good versus evil story, and without giving anything away, I can say that you will probably like the ending.

It is something to read science fiction like this because I...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Nikki McCarver rated it 4 of 5 stars

The sad part about this book is I can actually see this happening. Not so much the alien cells taking over, but us manufacturing a drug to try and create the perfect solider. I believe that's what they were hinting out. That was my interpretation. But you really could come up with different theories as to the whys the drug was created. This story has a good way of highlighting the best and worst of humanity in intense situations. I couldn't be one of those people who decided who lived or died. N...more The sad part about this book is I can actually see this happening. Not so much the alien cells taking over, but us manufacturing a drug to try and create the perfect solider. I believe that's what they were hinting out. That was my interpretation. But you really could come up with different theories as to the whys the drug was created. This story has a good way of highlighting the best and worst of humanity in intense situations. I couldn't be one of those people who decided who lived or died. No matter how logically it was looked at they were still humans. Someone's daughter, brother, mother, husband, lover, friend. But that's exactly what happened. Due to the Earth's overpopulation, we started building up and basically kept going. There are now paradise planets but it takes around 100 years to get to them. Our story begins with a world split in chaos.

You have two warring factions and then you have the government. Lol...not much has changed in the future right? Our three main characters are James, Skye, and Carly are all totally lovable and relateable. James let the love of his life go in order to save 300 of his people. It felt like his heart was being ripped out but he knew he had to find a way to save the rest of them. With all the ships taking off around the world, panic begins to spread because the Moonshiners (humans that are addicted and over-using the drug created by compounds on the moon) are becoming more prevalent and seem to be spreading. James encounters several on his way up to see the shuttle launch and is shocked at the quantity. He spies a person hanging between levels that is being hunted by one of the monsters. He helps her down and notices she is cramped up from hanging so long and that she has a child on her back.

Skye's story is equally as sad. She was rescued by Grease from her life as an alley rat. He brings her home and takes care of her. Skye in turn meets his daughter and watches out for her while Grease goes about his business. Skye has always wanted children and is instantly drawn to Carly. The comfort each other as Grease slowly becomes addicted to the powerful drug from the moon. Skye watches him change as food for them takes a lower priority that his addiction. He stops by only to prepare to leave again. His faction is going to attempt to an assassination. He tells Skye to stay here, bolt the door, and wait for him to return. She listens and almost ends up being a monsters meal. She was trying to escape by hiding when James finds her.

They have many obstacles to face throughout the book. The biggest being the fact that they are supposed to be enemies. But Skye begins to change after being around James. He is a good influence and an all around wonderful person. This story pulls at your heart and leaves you with warm fuzzies at the end. I really enjoyed this story!!!
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May 30, 2012 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance

What an absolutely action packed read that sets a heart-thumping pace! But what else can be expected? It's the end of the world.

In this futuristic Sci-Fi tale, the earth has become over populated, its resources are drained, civilization is failing, and an alien substance found on the moon and used as a drug has turned many of the world's inhabitants into mindless creatures known as moonshiners seeking out human flesh. With the world going to pot, the government is forced to start evacuating the...more What an absolutely action packed read that sets a heart-thumping pace! But what else can be expected? It's the end of the world.

In this futuristic Sci-Fi tale, the earth has become over populated, its resources are drained, civilization is failing, and an alien substance found on the moon and used as a drug has turned many of the world's inhabitants into mindless creatures known as moonshiners seeking out human flesh. With the world going to pot, the government is forced to start evacuating the planet so transport ships are taking off colonists that have been deemed, by their DNA, to be the best and fitting survivors and leaving the rest to fend for themselves on the dying world.

The story begins on the eventful day that a power hungry gang decides to assassinate the governor of New York so they can take over things and steal what they need. Skye, a woman who lived in an orphanage and then took to the streets was brought into the home of one of these Razorback gang members named, Grease to live with him and his daughter. Unfortunately, Skye has learned to mistrust the gang and she has watched Grease slowly change as he began taking that drug that was mined on the moon called Morpheus. She begs him not to be a part of the killing and takeover, but he leaves her alone with his daughter and defenseless against the moonshiners who are coming in over the cities walls. Later, Skye knows that the assassination failed and that Grease is not coming back. Now, she must call upon the street savvy skills that she hasn't used for three years to care for Carly and herself.

James is a leader of a gang and he has heavy responsibilities. First, he is forced to give up his love when, because of her gifts, she is chosen to pilot one of the evacuation ships and he is denied a place because he has a heart arrhythmia. He is able to secure a place for three hundred of his people, but he still worries about the others who like himself are denied. His mentor contacts him and shares that there may be one slim chance to evacuate the rest of their people and time is against them because the government is determined to nuke the whole city to stop the once human creatures that are infesting the city. There is a transport ship that was never finished being stored out in the barrens. James just needs to appropriate a hover craft to get him there, fly the ship and come back for the others.

Along the way, James rescues Skye and Carly from a moonshiner and he agrees to take them with him on his quest to bring back the last transport ship. And the story just gets even more exciting from there.

The plot was strong and the pace almost made me breathless just trying to keep up with James and Skye as they worked toward their goal some times barely surviving the dangers along the way. All the time, their relationship alters as trust is built and then feelings grow stronger. Both hesitate to verbalize feelings because of the uncertainty of things, but also because neither are sure the other would share the same feelings. Some would say the feelings James and Skye felt came on quick, but I didn't feel that way because there's just something about living under those life and death circumstances that just makes each good thing- like life saving, comfort, and companionship- mean more in the few precious minutes, hours, and days these guys had.

I was also impressed with the world building. The image of a tired old earth over populated and at the end of its resources while having the advanced technologies was well done. The society that is described felt true to that sort of environment. It took but a moment for me to catch on to what was going on even as the situation was fed to me steadily throughout the story. I did not mind the old 'Toto we're not in Kansas anymore' feeling I had at first because that is always one of the fun things about reading Sci-Fi (in my humble opinion).

The characters were superb. I loved how they were well-developed without a lot of time spent describing them. Both the main characters, James and Skye, were heroic. They didn't whine and fuss over their poor circumstances and neither of them curled up into balls and gave up. They were selfless fighters in their desire to help others. James is undoubtedly leadership quality goods, but Skye's a canny gal who's got his back making them the perfect team. Little Carly was so sweet and yet brave in her own right.

This was definitely a great read and I look forward to reading the others in the series. It is the third book published in the New Dawn series, but it is the first in chronological order. It goes far in explaining things in the previous books.
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Feb 18, 2012 aobibliophile™ rated it 5 of 5 stars

And each man stands with his face in the light. Of his own drawn sword, ready to do what a hero can. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

author Aubrie Dionne ups the ante with her third book in the A New Dawn series. A Hero Rising is tagged as a Prequel to A New Dawn. the events that happen in the book take place hundreds of years before Paradise 21. although it serves as a companion to Tundra 37, A Hero Rising can stand alone. in fact all of these books do.
this is where my admiration and respect for t...more And each man stands with his face in the light. Of his own drawn sword, ready to do what a hero can. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

author Aubrie Dionne ups the ante with her third book in the A New Dawn series. A Hero Rising is tagged as a Prequel to A New Dawn. the events that happen in the book take place hundreds of years before Paradise 21. although it serves as a companion to Tundra 37, A Hero Rising can stand alone. in fact all of these books do.
this is where my admiration and respect for the writer's skills go up a notch further. the three books can be read in any order. now, that really says a lot about how the author managed to write a series that is inter-connected but still allowed each book to speak on its own.
among the three books, A Hero Rising has more action and tension within its pages. the few remaining inhabitants of Old Earth are fighting for their lives. aside from facing the threat of nuclear annihilation, they are fleeing from hordes of zombie-like creatures called Moonshiners. one man is determined to save as many people as he can and bring them to Outpost Omega before it is too late. the only way to do that is to find the last colony ship at all cost.
how James Wilfred accomplished this with three thousand survivors in tow makes this book a one-of-a-kind adventure that will tug your heart and let you feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins.
i love this book as much as i love the other two and i could not help but feel a little sentimental when i was done reading and was taking leave of its memorable characters especially James, Skye and Carly.
for me, this was more than just a tale of heroic deeds. it was also about sacrifice, friendship, love and the pursuit of freedom and equality. it may have painted a dismal picture of the future but underneath it all, hope still shines and persists. perhaps, in the end that is all what man needs and has to cling to.
A Hero Rising is truly one of the most remarkable and unforgettable stories i have read in a long time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy of A Hero Rising from the author herself. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Feb 16, 2012 Kathleen Allen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Earth is being overrun by zombie-like creatures and the government is collapsing. Spaceships are taking colonists to find another planet to live on. James wants to go with the girl he is in love with but he can't. He has a physical defect that won't allow him to go into deep space. He is part of a gang that is helping the survivors left on earth. When his gang discovers news about a partially finished spaceship in the barrens, it is up to James to find it and fly it back (if it can be flown) to...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ebook, romance, request, science-fiction

Readers first meet James in Tundra 37. He has a small role which is reflected upon in A Hero Rising. One of the things I find interesting about this series is that you can easily read the books out of order. Each of the three A New Dawn books works as a stand-alone. In fact, A Hero Rising takes place many years before Paradise 21 & Tundra 37.

A Hero Rising is the tale of how the “unchosen” make it off of planet Earth before it is completely uninhabitable. The government officials, elitists, a...more

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May 08, 2012 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

Aubrie Dionne has done it again, she's created a heart pounding high-octane rollercoaster ride of a story with a nice bit of romance thrown into the mix. As the third book in her A New Dawn series the action seamlessly picks up where the previous book started. His love Mestasis has left the planet piloting a ship full of genetically special chosen ones while he's left behind in a world full of drugged-up zombie-like people (moonshiners) trying to save those left behind with time ticking away unt...more Aubrie Dionne has done it again, she's created a heart pounding high-octane rollercoaster ride of a story with a nice bit of romance thrown into the mix. As the third book in her A New Dawn series the action seamlessly picks up where the previous book started. His love Mestasis has left the planet piloting a ship full of genetically special chosen ones while he's left behind in a world full of drugged-up zombie-like people (moonshiners) trying to save those left behind with time ticking away until nuclear bombs are set off. When a plan is put in motion by the radical group he's a part of, James sets out to steal a ship left behind to get those few individuals left uninfected off the planet. Along the way he rescues Skye and her young charge and together they form a motley crew that is the only chance left for survival for the lower class citizens.

This story was full of heart pounding action and kept the hands holding my eReader in a white knuckle grip. James truly lived up to the qualities of being heroic. He sacrificed everything for his people, including the first real love he had. He's immediately drawn to Skye and feels bad that his emotions could change so quickly but with the end of the world looming I don't blame him for grasping happiness where he can. The sexual tension between him and Skye was palpable and gave a much-needed sense of hopefulness. Not only was James great with Skye, but with young girl Carly too. He was more of a father figure to her than her own father and definitely more deserving of the title. Sometimes children written into stories can be very annoying, but that's not the case here. Carly was realistic with some moments of being upset but she was a mini-hero in her own right trudging along doing what needed to be done, never a burden. Skye was a good match for James. She started off weak but quickly gained strength in herself as she became the lone caretaker to Carly. She kicks ass right alongside James and there were moments of unbridled strength as she fought the moonshiners that reminded me of Ripley from the Aliens movie. At first James described her as a fairytale princess with her gentle looks, but as their journey went on she became a valkyrie in his eyes. The sweet and subtle romance was wonderful to see and the few moments their love was able to show itself were particularly bittersweet considering all the death and destruction surrounding them.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and even though it's part of a series it can be read on its own. But why would you not want to read such an exciting, action-packed story full of memorable characters and thought provoking scenarios? So strap yourself in and take a chance on this glimpse of the future and read A Hero Rising, as well as the rest of the New Dawn series!(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Kara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by clarifying something, I am not into zombie stories and I developed a slight cold before reading this book. More than once, I wanted to put it away and rest. However… I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. It’s just a great story!! I believe that it’s part of a series, but I never felt lost or confused so Hero Rising can definitely be considered a stand alone. I was curious about the back story and how Earth had gotten so destitute, but the plot had me hooked so it wasn’t a major loss.

Moo...more Let me start by clarifying something, I am not into zombie stories and I developed a slight cold before reading this book. More than once, I wanted to put it away and rest. However… I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. It’s just a great story!! I believe that it’s part of a series, but I never felt lost or confused so Hero Rising can definitely be considered a stand alone. I was curious about the back story and how Earth had gotten so destitute, but the plot had me hooked so it wasn’t a major loss.

Moonshiners (zombie-like creatures that were once human but now move with surprisingly fast reflexes and sharp teeth and are difficult to kill) have taken over so the government decides it’s time to nuke the world and hopefully as many people as possible will be able to evacuate. The problem is, only those the government deems strong enough and with the proper DNA are being given first class tickets to leave in style. Everyone else not fitting into this category has to find their own way off the planet or risk radiation poisoning once the nukes hit.

That’s where James comes into the picture. He has joined a rebellion that believes every human life is worth saving and his comrade, Dal, has discovered a ship they can use to escape illegally. En route to this ship is when James comes across Skye and Carly and the three of them risk everything to accomplish this goal. There is one thing noted in the summary on goodreads.com that is slightly misleading. Skye’s boyfriend does return and it leads to a very important change in one of the main characters. This story has lots of intense moments, but I found myself crying and even cheering at the end. There is violence in the story, but nothing that could be considered gory. There is one scene where Skye picks up a weapon that allows her to take off body parts of the moonshiners, but the way it’s written I didn’t disagree considering the circumstances. There are also a few scenes with cursing: cyber hell and damm*t, but otherwise very well written. There’s so much humanity written into this story and despite the inevitable destruction of Earth, both James and Skye hold onto their faith determined to give others a chance at survival. The story was so good that after it ended I still needed a few minutes to relax.

I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy intense stories with bits of romance thrown in or for those who enjoy apocalyptic tales with heart and humanity. There are 20 chapters, but they go by fast :) A bunch of movies came to my mind while reading this: Aliens, City of Ember, and there are references to Tarzan, and other 21st century references that had me smiling as well.
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Feb 19, 2012 Diane Alberts rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Hero Rising grabbed me in it's world within a few words of the beginning, and didn't let me go until the very end. Whether it was in an abandoned farm, in a space-shuttle, or in the mutated throngs of the city, Dionne's world-building blew me away. The attention to detail, and the lush describing of the surrounding, makes you feel like you're there with James and Skye.

I liked that Dionne had Skye save James a few times, and the fact that he acknowledged just how powerful she could be by his si...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Jamie White rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve been following my blog, then you probably saw my interview with Aubrie Dionne. She’s the author of the A New Dawn series which also includes Tundra 37. As you may remember, Tundra 37 featured a character named Mestasis who makes a deal to get herself and her twin off a doomed planet. A gang member named James helped her to secure the deal but is left behind due to being found unfit health-wise.

This book picks up with Mestasis leaving and shows what happened to James afterwards. He and...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Christine Rains rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Earth is breathing her last few breathes, and everyone must flee or die on the surface. Yet even in the chaos, there is still a glimmer of hope and love. James Wilfred just watched his love fly off into the stars, but he's determined to help those left behind to safety. He begins a mission to find an old colony ship to take his people to a new home on the moon. Fighting his way through the city, he saves Skye and the little girl under her care. With nowhere left to go, they join him on his s...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Catherine Cavendish rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Hero Rising - Book 3 of Aubrie Dionne's 'A New Dawn' series never flags. From the first page to the epilogue, the author maintains a cracking pace and I was up into the early hours because I simply couldn't put it down. The alien future world she takes us to is inhospitable, threatening and graphic. Yet amongst all the danger, Skye and James find love and the strongest of unions. Skye is a feisty, gutsy heroine yet there is a softness there that mkes her likeable and avoids cliche and stereoty...more

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Mar 22, 2012 J.M. Stewart rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit this was a different sort of book for me. It was gifted to me. I wouldn't normally have picked it up. And I say that, because from the first page I was sucked in. It's books like these that have me looking differently at the books I choose to read. They make me branch out and think twice before I pass something up.

What I love about this book was the way it all popped. The author created a world and made me believe it. That's hard for me, because I'm very reality oriented. I can'...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Cherie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A HERO RISING by Aubrie Dionne takes the reader to the beginning in this prequel of the New Dawn series.

Earth is no longer safe, and James Wilfred and Skye O’Connor must find a way off their dying planet at all costs. As James watches the love of his life leave in a spaceship, he thinks all is lost until he learns an unfinished spaceship may be their ticket off this planet. Skye watched her boyfriend leave with his gang in their attempts to assassinate the governor. Now she watches over his chil...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Rinelle Grey rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book really begins to tie together the stories in the New Dawn series, and I loved seeing how they were all connected. Again, a great book, with lots of layers to the story. Kept me turning pages until the very end. And a thumbs up to the author for actually writing a believable 6 yo child. In places, she reminded me of my daughter. Definitely worth reading.

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Oct 31, 2012 JoAnn Ainsworth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since I hadn’t read the earlier novels in the series, I had some trouble figuring out what was going on. Once I got my feet solidly planted, I found the action moved progressively toward the final clash. I was glad for the ray of hope amidst a dark and destructive landscape.

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Oct 18, 2012 Has rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-romance, romance

I really like the world-building for this series, but the romance wasn't that great and it was way too rushed and I didn't like the fact they both came out of a relationship or just came out of one. I think the length of the story didn't help matters, but this sets up and establishes the events in the previous books and I liked how gritty and tense. I just wished the romance elements was better set up.

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Dec 29, 2012 Sherri *The Lady Hillindale* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, alpha-male, apocalyptic, ebook, freebie, futuristic, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-loved, kick-ass-heroine, kobo, ntm-author, scifi

A really good apocalyptic/sci-fi read. Couldn't put it down!

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About Aubrie Dionne

Aubrie grew up watching the original Star Wars movies over and over again until she could recite and reenact every single scene in her backyard. She also loved The Goonies, Star Trek the Next Generation-favorite character was Data by far-, and Indiana Jones. But, her all time favorite movie was The Last Unicorn. She still wonders why the unicorn decided to change back to a unicorn in the end.

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A Hero Rising (A New Dawn #3)

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