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Sides are chosen when an ancient ruler returns to claim Earth as his prize and war ensues. A reluctant pawn, Alex is recruited to lead the resistance. Although her friends and family fight beside her, she struggles to find the strength to fulfill her destiny. Unsure of what she’s become, Alex battles her own tormented emotions to find the truth. Can she rise above the darkness? Or will she ultimately descend into its cold embrace? Descent is Book Three in the Forgotten Origins Trilogy

392 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2014

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427 people want to read

About the author

Tara Ellis

61 books252 followers
With over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.

A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.

Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.

*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books

*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers

*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

Coming this year, in 2025:

*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April

*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!

*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer

*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

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5 stars
71 (60%)
4 stars
29 (24%)
3 stars
13 (11%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Aly.
1,901 reviews69 followers
February 13, 2015
I still stick with me original story this is a great series. I am not really one for aliens stuff most of the time. I don't watch these types of movies or read many books with aliens or alien theories. But I enjoyed this book! This series took me in and kept me looking for more. I loves it! Thank you Tara for sharing this series with me!
November 1, 2014
This review originally appeared on my blog www.gimmethatbook.com.

Many thanks once again to Tara Ellis for gifting me this book! I was looking forward to finding out if Alex, Chris, Seth, and the rest of the gang were able to save civilization. Book #3 of the Forgotten Origins trilogy is a dark, intense, detailed and emotional story, quite different from the first two books. Alex undergoes some heavy soul searching throughout, as she debates with herself about being strong enough to fight RA and his henchmen. The changes that the Holocene Virus has caused are beginning to upset her, and she is wondering if her friends still see her the same way. As the group of young adults prepare for war, they must ALL come to terms with the fact that things have changed, and may never be the same.

The story picks up after the Nephilim ship arrived on Earth. Alex and Seth are heading back to Senator Zane’s ranch on a motorcycle when a blinding flash of light illuminates the sky above them, and the motorcycle’s engine immediately stalls. The aliens have sent an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) to disable all the electronics, rendering everyone back to the 1800’s…..no electric, no cellphones, no cars. The group finds out the Senator has been moved to an Air Force base in Great Falls, Montana, and must make an arduous trek there.

Chris is butting heads with Seth along the way, with the tension intensified by the fact that Alex can get into Chris’ head, just as she can “sense” the Shiners. The relationship between all three of them ebbs and flows, with lasting results. However, they must put their differences aside and unite against the Mudameere. There is violence and bloodshed, all of which wreak havoc with Alex’s psyche. As the story progresses, she is reunited with her relatives in the biodome under the sea, is transported aboard the Nephilim ship, and tries to reason with RA and the Elders. Can she do it? Will they be able to overcome an army of Shiners and discover a cure for the Nephi2 virus? As the group fights for freedom, many answers to the questions posed in the first two novels become evident.

I especially enjoyed the development of Alex, coming into her own as a leader and a strong girl. The description of their journeys on foot and on horseback capture very well the tension and fatigue the characters were feeling, and there were plenty of “oh, NO!” moments as injuries were sustained and emotions were bared. Descent is not a sweet YA novel, but a dystopian tale, gritty and full of tension. Author Tara Ellis also raises some moral questions about stem cells and their potential, as the plot thickens. Perhaps the events in the book are not possible,in real life, but you will certainly be forced to think about an America fighting against a virus, without modern conveniences, against an enemy that you never knew existed. Pride of heritage runs deep in this book, and so there is a moral to the story: keep family and friends close, learn to rely on yourself, and never compromise your beliefs.

Want to join Alex and her friends? Complete your trilogy here.

Also, if you haven’t already, download the Kindle reading app here.
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
5,004 reviews1,410 followers
November 10, 2014
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)

This was an okay end to the series, and I was glad that things worked out for the best in the end.

Alex came across as a much stronger person in this book and made a stand for what she believed was right. She remained loyal to her friends, and made sacrifices when necessary for the greater good.

The storyline in this revolved around taking down the RA and the Mudameer organisation, and sorting out the shiners seemed to be a longer-term goal, as with things the way they were there wasn’t a quick fix.
There was some romance, and we did get what seemed to be a love-triangle forming.

The ending to this was okay, and we got a bit of action. I was glad that things worked out for the best in the end, and it was a bit more realistic that no-one had a magic wand to wave to fix everything.
6.25 out of 10.
Profile Image for Sheila gullick.
280 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2018
Loved this series

Loved this series. So full of action and suspense. Loved the characters and story line. Wish there was more to it
Profile Image for Nancy Phy.
314 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2017
This is a great series

This is a very well written series that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page. I think young adults will enjoy this series as much as this 86 year old great grandma did.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
217 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2019
Intriguing

This series was on the outside of my normal reads, but I really like the author, so why not try it? I’m glad I did! I do believe that there is more in our universe than meets the eye, and what an intriguing tale Tara weaves! The whole series kept my attention and came to a satisfying end - well, sort of. It surely leaves one thinking.
Profile Image for Ari Ovalle.
408 reviews48 followers
January 25, 2015
I'd like to start off first by saying thank you, to the author, Tara Ellis for gifting this book to me in exchange for my honest review.

Second, I'm going to say that Forgoten Origins is my favorite YA/SCI-FI series of the year!! I really love how the author derived the premise of the series from the Ancient Alien Theory then made the rest her own. I found it it to be extraordinary. It made me, the reader, think. Even after I read the book. I'll probably still think about this book for months to come because to me, it's not too crazy to think, that this might not be far from an actual reality. Alex is finishing off her quest in this last installment. Along with figuring out where & with whom her heart belongs. Alex and ALL the characters have grown and matured. Some have grown together or they've grown apart. It was sad due to the fact I seriously thought that a certain couple would've stayed together but they did not. However, as the book progressed, I could see who was to be with who and the reasons. Which made their character development so enticing. I really had Rihanna's Stay in my head for that couple. It was kind of messed up but they did remain friends. Third Alex & crew are busy saving the world from imminent slavery & doom. It was adventurous, suspenseful, and a bit breathtaking. The undersea dome, Nibiru, and Nator's reaction to seeing a sunrise in over a thousand years, were some of my favorite moments. Page after page you're just enveloped in this tale trying to get to the end wondering if it'll end with that bang it started off with. I really did feel this story was about freedom, keeping our humanity, faith, and last but not least, friendship and family. Nothing in this world is worth giving up all those things or giving up on. A wonderful message for anyone who has been through any type of adversity. You really can do anything as long as you have faith & are fighting that good fight. The Epilogue was pretty awesome. The author could do a spin-off if she wanted to, go into more detail of the world afterwards. Maybe a Novella? I'm just throwing it out there. I do have to say Seth has made it on to my favorite Alpha Male list to swoon over. He's pretty hot. *giggles* All I know is this series has made a definite impression on me and I can never forget it. Truly astounding & truly original. I cannot wait to see more from the author in the future.
Profile Image for Ari Ovalle.
408 reviews48 followers
Read
November 11, 2014
*I'd like to start off first by saying thank you, to the author, Tara Ellis for gifting this book to me in exchange for my honest review.*

Second, I'm going to say that Forgoten Origins is my favorite YA/SCI-FI series of the year!! I really love how the author derived the premise of the series from the Ancient Alien Theory then made the rest her own. I found it it to be extraordinary. It made me, the reader, think. Even after I read the book. I'll probably still think about this book for months to come because to me, it's not too crazy to think, that this might not be far from an actual reality. Alex is finishing off her quest in this last installment. Along with figuring out where & with whom her heart belongs. Alex and ALL the characters have grown and matured. Some have grown together or they've grown apart. It was sad due to the fact I seriously thought that a certain couple would've stayed together but they did not. However, as the book progressed, I could see who was to be with who and the reasons. Which made their character development so enticing. I really had Rihanna's STAY in my head for that couple. It was kind of messed up but they did remain friends.
Third, Alex & crew are busy saving the world from imminent slavery & doom. It was adventurous, suspenseful, and a bit breathtaking. The undersea dome, Nibiru, and Nator's reaction to seeing a sunrise in over a thousand years, were some of my favorite moments. Page after page you're just enveloped in this tale trying to get to the end wondering if it'll end with that bang it started off with. I really did feel this story was about freedom, keeping our humanity, faith, and last but not least, friendship and family. Nothing in this world is worth giving up all those things or giving up on. A wonderful message for anyone who has been through any type of adversity. You really can do anything as long as you have faith & are fighting that good fight.
The Epilogue was pretty awesome. The author could do a spin-off if she wanted to, go into more detail of the world afterwards. Maybe a Novella? I'm just throwing it out there. I do have to say Seth has made it on to my favorite Alpha Male list to swoon over. He's pretty hot. *giggles* All I know is this series has made a definite impression on me and I can never forget it. Truly astounding & truly original. I cannot wait to see more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,606 reviews25 followers
December 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Descent
Series: The Forgotten Origins Trilogy #3
Author: Tara Ellis
Rating: 4.3 Stars

So much has changed for Alex, she's no longer a normal teenage girl. As she and her friends fight, sacrifice and struggle for the planet's survival against an ancient evil power and a corrupt organisation, can Alex keep her emotions in toll? Can she, Seth, Chris and the rest of the team keep it together enough to save everyone?

This was a very good end to a very enjoyable trilogy! After following this series through the ups and downs, I feel a bit sentimental now it's the end. The end was good, I was glad that everything worked out, even if it ended in a way I didn't particularly expect. The character development that has occurred over the three books has been astounding. Alex in particular has grown to become a mature and likable character who is less selfish and less static as some others. Even character development going the other way was brilliant with Chris going from the lovable, perfect Christian boyfriend to a ruthless soldier. Seth is also a new top favourite...*cough* Book Boyfriend! *cough*

The writing in this was just as clear and concise as it has been in the other two but I definitely enjoyed this one the most. I felt like so much could've happened and although it didn't go how I had expected it to go, I was not disappointed. I'm just still in love with this story and I really do think that this will be a series that I'll always think about!

Thanks so much to Tara for being amazing throughout my time reading this series, she's been so kind and I can't wait to read more of her future works!

Add/Follow Tara on Goodreads here: Tara Ellis
See my review of Bloodlines (Book #1): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
See my review of Heritage (Book #2): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

United we stand, divided we fall!
Profile Image for Louise.
86 reviews
August 9, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Forgotten Origins series and by far the best. The book begins giving a brief run down of what has happened so far in the series. Its enough to trigger your memory (I certainly had a few 'of course' moments) and allow someone who hadn't read the first two books to get up to speed but not enough to drag on and become boring.

There is some real character progression again, like with the last book Alex's character grows but I really found the true growth was in Seth who became a fundamental character in the series. I hated Seth in the last book but he soon became one of my favourite characters which I think is exactly what the author was going for.

Tara Ellis has a true gift for attention to detail and you can clearly see her progress as a writer as her story progresses. I can honestly say this is the most original series I have read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Becky Johnson.
Author 6 books42 followers
September 27, 2014
In Descent, Alex, her friends, and family face a war for the planet's survival. Alex must find a way to accept her role in the war and as a leader.

What I loved about Descent is the growth shown by the characters and by the author. Alex learns to face the darkness within herself and rise above it. Some characters grow stronger under the pressure while others allow the tension to get to them. The division and connection between characters is part of what makes this such a compelling read.

There were lots of twists and turns, and I was honestly surprised by the ending. Ms. Ellis has crafted a well-thought, detailed, exciting world that engages reader. A recommended read for those who enjoy YA, sci-fi, or dystopian.

Profile Image for Tara Ellis.
Author 61 books252 followers
October 6, 2014
The third book is here!

This is my favorite of the three, and I hope that you feel the same about it as I do.

In Descent, Alex continues to grow both as a person and a leader. But can she handle everything that is thrown at her?

Descent is an epic story, and delves deeper into both the conscious and emotions of Alex and everyone she loves and cares about.

But don't be fooled. Descent, like the Forgotten origins Trilogy, is a Science Fiction novel at heart. True to it's genre, the plot continues to take you, the reader, on a ride full of twists and turns, that will keep you guessing (and thinking) right up until the very end.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
173 reviews
December 7, 2014
FREE COPY FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!
One of my top favorite trilogies! Alex is still trying to help find a cure, while trying to keep everyone who she loves safe. Alex and Chris’s relationship changes. “UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL!” This book was my personal favorite. The only thing that I would have liked is for more books!
Tara Ellis is an amazing Author! She executes thoughts and she has well written this trilogy.
Profile Image for Darla.
327 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2015
what a great story this was awesome to read that what if this actually happened in real life. alex was amazing with her capabilities and it was awesome to see that her and seth are together you would hae never imagined this based on book two then the senator has become like the president per say and her mother finding love and her brothr jake finding that he is one smart cookie that really plays a big role in book three totally recommend this series to ANY READER
Profile Image for Lisa Rector.
Author 37 books59 followers
November 28, 2016
This book graciously started with a summary of everything that happened so far, in a way that, where I was lost with book two, I was now caught up to speed. And enter romantic tension! Loved the new aspect. And what to do now that an alien ship is in the atmosphere of earth? I love the path the author takes the reader on as Alex struggles with her new abilities and saving the world. Tension filled final conclusion.

Reader Rated for ages 14+ for mild violence.
16 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2024
This is book 3 of a trilogy. I enjoyed the storyline and really liked the plot throughout the trilogy. It was an imaginative twist on the apocalypse. However-by book 3 I was beginning to be bothered by the grammatical errors. I totally understand that grammar is more important to me than it is to some other folks….but even if it’s not an author’s forte, grammatical errors should be caught by the editor’s staff. Improper capitalization and inconsistent, improper use of apostrophes (including those being used to signify ownership versus plurals….such as “the two Captain’s) can totally be a distraction. This is the case with book 3. I would recommend the books to people who like apocalyptic literature….and would recommend the editor hire someone who knows the proper way to structure a sentence.
Profile Image for Donna Ann Sutcliffe.
387 reviews
September 6, 2017
This is the last of the trilogy. I kind of feel that this book was slow and then the last 10% rushed. It came to a good conclusion but something was missing. I also felt that there was an opening left open to do with the healing. Overall I did enjoy the series and would read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books63 followers
May 21, 2019
Good Finale

This story definitely had fast-paced moments, but the characters didn’t develop in an organic way. The ending came together too quickly and I couldn’t suspend my disbelieve anymore. It was a good dystopian storyline, though.
12.7k reviews189 followers
February 18, 2023
Absolutely love everything about this story. Kept me intrigued from start to finish. Great characters that take you through their journey of survival.
Profile Image for Ayla.
1,085 reviews36 followers
January 5, 2016
I would like to thank the author for sharing this book with me.
More of the mysteries about Alex are explained in this book. She comes to play a pivotal point in the conclusion of this trilogy. The love twist and change is disconcerting at first but as Seth explains it, it works out for the best in the end. (The Author could actually start another series here should they marry and have children.) There are some humorous parts such as the toy blocks and what Baxter does with them. I love how Tara brings Baxter to life with his chuffs and his vocalizations. I feel that there are some parts left to question as for example Missy's dad and the professors's wife, the professor and his research,the cells and if there is more to them.And speaking about cells, I wouldn't mind some of those cells myself, a little more collagen and luxurious hair along with enhanced physical abilities. Alex continues to change and develop into a strong leader ,brave and honest. The story ends with a new beginning for Alex and her friends.
I like how Tara writes, her prose is clean, straightforward , wholesome, anyone over 12 (due to some violence) can enjoy this book.The story flows well and I was easily drawn into it. As usual with today's ebooks , there is the occasional typo and the one that bothered me most was the 'Nephi II ' and 'NephiII' that seemed to intersperse throughout the story. The Aliens would be very interesting to see, 9 feet tall blonde blue eye gods, and they took human wives. I keep visioning Thor. Great story, would love to see this made into television series or movie.
Profile Image for Annamarie.
267 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2019
This is the final book in this great series. There is a lot of action throughout this book.

I was looking forward to finding out if Alex and Chris saved the world along with the rest of their friends and Descent starts off right where Heritage left off with Alex and her friends heading back to the Senator’s ranch when a flash of light, lights up the sky and knocks out all electrical appliances as well as their motorbikes.

I was happy to see that Chris was still disliking Seth (I still don’t trust him). Alex is worried that her friends are starting to distance themselves as her strange Shiner senses grow and she is able to hear Chris’ thoughts.

Alex must reunite with her relatives in the biodome to be transported to the Nephilim ship to try and reason with RA and the Elders, she also has to help find a cure for the Nephi2 virus (No pressure there).

I was glad that there was a happy ending but not happy with the ending haha.
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