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Atlantis Rising #1
The Knighthood
A war was fought. Humanity lost.
Time for a rematch.
The world fell, the invaders won, and Demons now ruled what had once been man's domain. The great works of a once powerful civilization lie in ruins, its people having forgotten the wonders of their forefathers as they now live in the yoke. Not everyone is willing to go quietly into the endless night, however, and for every inch of ground they'd won, they had paid in blood and bone. At the end of it all, however, the demons stood victorious and all that was left to accomplish was the final cleanup of the human pests that infested occasional parts of the conquered world.
In one nearly uninhabitable part of that world, a very young such pest has come of age and, without understanding what it means, she walks in the shadow of destiny.
The demons have a lesson to learn, one last to be taught to them by humans, before they can call this world truly their own.
A cleansing fire can start from the smallest of sparks... and it is always darkest just before the dawn
Time for a rematch.
The world fell, the invaders won, and Demons now ruled what had once been man's domain. The great works of a once powerful civilization lie in ruins, its people having forgotten the wonders of their forefathers as they now live in the yoke. Not everyone is willing to go quietly into the endless night, however, and for every inch of ground they'd won, they had paid in blood and bone. At the end of it all, however, the demons stood victorious and all that was left to accomplish was the final cleanup of the human pests that infested occasional parts of the conquered world.
In one nearly uninhabitable part of that world, a very young such pest has come of age and, without understanding what it means, she walks in the shadow of destiny.
The demons have a lesson to learn, one last to be taught to them by humans, before they can call this world truly their own.
A cleansing fire can start from the smallest of sparks... and it is always darkest just before the dawn
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2017
544 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 5, 2017
The world is a touch of Peter V. Brett's Demon Cycle series meets Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire. Much like Lawrence's PoT's series, the world is set in a post-apocalyptic setting where armor, swords and bows are used again, remnants of the past, AI's, satellites, ruined cities litter the land. In this setting, mankind fights for survival against demons who now rule the world (reminded me of Brett's Demon Cycle series).
While Brett and Lawrence are good company, Evan Currie has been a favorite author of mine since reading his military scifi books (Silver Wings, Odyssey). While not hurtling through space, this book entertains nonetheless. Great book and like how Currie shows his chops in different genre's whether here or like in his Heirs of Empire series. If you're a fan of Currie, you won't be disapointed. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
While Brett and Lawrence are good company, Evan Currie has been a favorite author of mine since reading his military scifi books (Silver Wings, Odyssey). While not hurtling through space, this book entertains nonetheless. Great book and like how Currie shows his chops in different genre's whether here or like in his Heirs of Empire series. If you're a fan of Currie, you won't be disapointed. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
December 21, 2017
UPDATE: I went back to this because I needed a K title for my Litsy A-Z Challenge, and because my friend Halle said it wasn't terrible. It will still never be the right book for me, but she's right: it got more interesting to me after the initial "hero rises from the ashes" tropes were established, although the main villain never got beyond a caricature of Evil Dude, and I hated every single line of dialogue from him.
I listened for 2+ hours and couldn't take anymore. Nearly everything in the book is a cliche, with each character amounting to nothing but a stereotype. I'm giving an extra star for the genre mashup, which was interesting, but not enough to make me want to stick with it.
I listened for 2+ hours and couldn't take anymore. Nearly everything in the book is a cliche, with each character amounting to nothing but a stereotype. I'm giving an extra star for the genre mashup, which was interesting, but not enough to make me want to stick with it.
January 17, 2018
My significant other is very much a fan of Evan Currie's sci-fi series so I (since I'm much more fantasy than sci-fi) I decided to check this one out.
The first quarter is pretty terrible. But it gets better and better and the story is interesting.
I think Evan Currie is self-edited and it shows:
"She glanced down to the little girl by her side and pursed her lips in an amused yet annoyed look as her voice snapped with a crisp sternness." :P
An decent editor would have spanked him for that, and this book was probably good enough to deserve said beating of its author.
The first quarter is pretty terrible. But it gets better and better and the story is interesting.
I think Evan Currie is self-edited and it shows:
"She glanced down to the little girl by her side and pursed her lips in an amused yet annoyed look as her voice snapped with a crisp sternness." :P
An decent editor would have spanked him for that, and this book was probably good enough to deserve said beating of its author.
July 21, 2018
Pomysł na połączenie świata na skraju zagłady, nowoczesnej technologii i demonów okazało się być dla mnie pokusą nie do odparcia. Niestety wykonanie jest strasznie przeciętne, żeby nie powiedzieć wręcz - słabe.
Przez 3/4 czasu książka jest zwyczajnie nudna. Opisane wydarzenia niby są dramatyczne, ale czytelnik tego nie odczuwa. Postacie są nudne - może dwie mógłbym określić jako interesujące, z czego jedna pojawia się pod koniec książki. Autor zresztą skupia się tylko na dwóch (widać, że reszta to tło) - między bohaterami nic ciekawego się nie dzieje, nie ma żadnych rozbudowanych wątków, relacji, dialogów.
W całej książce był może jeden motyw, który wydał mi się interesujący. Schematyczna, nudna, oklepana.
Przez 3/4 czasu książka jest zwyczajnie nudna. Opisane wydarzenia niby są dramatyczne, ale czytelnik tego nie odczuwa. Postacie są nudne - może dwie mógłbym określić jako interesujące, z czego jedna pojawia się pod koniec książki. Autor zresztą skupia się tylko na dwóch (widać, że reszta to tło) - między bohaterami nic ciekawego się nie dzieje, nie ma żadnych rozbudowanych wątków, relacji, dialogów.
W całej książce był może jeden motyw, który wydał mi się interesujący. Schematyczna, nudna, oklepana.
August 8, 2021
Apart from the author’s need to go over the same ground more than once, I found the first quarter of the book excellent. After that it began to go downhill a little, ‘Kaern’ was just too enigmatic, I wasn’t interested in what ‘Venadrin’ was thinking and the story began to drag. Fortunately it did pickup again and overall this was a very enjoyable read although it may have been better by being a hundred pages shorter.
June 23, 2018
Loved this book.
The cover looked interesting that is normally how I choose my books. It had some really great characters the girl was great. The Wander was very interesting. I and have recommended it to several or.
The cover looked interesting that is normally how I choose my books. It had some really great characters the girl was great. The Wander was very interesting. I and have recommended it to several or.
April 8, 2017
Enjoyed it
I found the story enjoyable and found myself not wanting to stop reading to do other everyday things. . Seemed to be well edited with only one mix up about her sword.
I found the story enjoyable and found myself not wanting to stop reading to do other everyday things. . Seemed to be well edited with only one mix up about her sword.
March 31, 2018
Brilliant as always
Plot is superb.
World building is fascinating
Hints of mysteries tantalizing
Character development is on point
Woman lead is multidimensional
Plot is superb.
World building is fascinating
Hints of mysteries tantalizing
Character development is on point
Woman lead is multidimensional
February 28, 2024
Great action adventure story. Love the world and the premise. Liked the characters but didn't love them.
December 22, 2017
Fanfiction has become an entryway to professional publication. But I've never before seen a published novel that essentially is a prequel to a work of fanfiction. Many years ago, a writer using the name Tenhawk produced a series of adventures of Xander Harris (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and his battle staff which contains the spirit of a warrior from ancient Atlantis named Elan. This book is the start of a series of Elan's adventures while alive, starting with her as an untrained, sheltered girl. Unfortunately, this book is far less interesting than the fanfictions, mainly consisting of Elan being tortured by demons and then gaining some training and powered armor to fight back. Rather disappointing.
March 7, 2017
Interesting storyline but ..
Interesting storyline that may, or may not, tie in with Currie's other books - which makes it al, the more interesting. The religious references and hints makes one wonder where he's going. But, the swordplay with demons got a little tedious - only so many ways to draw and quarter them before it became too repetitive. Good start to the series.
Interesting storyline that may, or may not, tie in with Currie's other books - which makes it al, the more interesting. The religious references and hints makes one wonder where he's going. But, the swordplay with demons got a little tedious - only so many ways to draw and quarter them before it became too repetitive. Good start to the series.
October 27, 2022
This was a good, fun read. I enjoyed having a younger female lead who came into her own. Ellen was a bit of a whiney baby but she did get her life together in the end. Will for sure continue this series.
September 7, 2017
An interesting blend of fantasy, biblical history, and science fiction
The knighthood is an interesting book. It makes proficient use of simple, yet eloquent, language and focused story telling. The characters are believable to a degree if only to be entertaining. It even has an amusing blend of Judeo-Christian angelology and demonology (and their substantial relationship), creation theology and a touch of science fiction. The characters react differently to the theology of the novel and tend to have disagreements about the nature of "the creator (i.e. Theology)," with ideas ranging for agnosticism, atheism, and Deism. Consequently, The villains of the story are believable, well-detailed and revolting. They provide a strong antithesis to the nature of good and the nature of order. The battles between the forces of good and evil are well detailed and thrilling.
However, like most fantasy novels, the story remains skin deep. It falls into the trap of relying heavily on overused fantasy tropes: It fails to develop characters, relies heavily on Deus ex Machina to move the storyline, spouts the philosophy of the author like it comes from true wisdom, develops strawman like faults in characters that are the favorites of fantasy writers whilst failing to provide for the falleness of its characters outside of the protagonists/antagonist duality. The book itself is a very quick read and leaves the reader up to little if any surprise as to its direction (especially if the reader is at all familiar with philosophy/theology).
It also seems to desire to push some type of theology/philosophical statement about the meaning of creation and the modern world. It is here that the book may become interesting. What conclusions is the author going to draw about the nature of the creator and the fall of the angels? Are we being faced with a mere polytheistic materialism, a form of Gnostic dualism, a form of Judio-Christian monotheism, or is it something completely unique?
The knighthood is an interesting book. It makes proficient use of simple, yet eloquent, language and focused story telling. The characters are believable to a degree if only to be entertaining. It even has an amusing blend of Judeo-Christian angelology and demonology (and their substantial relationship), creation theology and a touch of science fiction. The characters react differently to the theology of the novel and tend to have disagreements about the nature of "the creator (i.e. Theology)," with ideas ranging for agnosticism, atheism, and Deism. Consequently, The villains of the story are believable, well-detailed and revolting. They provide a strong antithesis to the nature of good and the nature of order. The battles between the forces of good and evil are well detailed and thrilling.
However, like most fantasy novels, the story remains skin deep. It falls into the trap of relying heavily on overused fantasy tropes: It fails to develop characters, relies heavily on Deus ex Machina to move the storyline, spouts the philosophy of the author like it comes from true wisdom, develops strawman like faults in characters that are the favorites of fantasy writers whilst failing to provide for the falleness of its characters outside of the protagonists/antagonist duality. The book itself is a very quick read and leaves the reader up to little if any surprise as to its direction (especially if the reader is at all familiar with philosophy/theology).
It also seems to desire to push some type of theology/philosophical statement about the meaning of creation and the modern world. It is here that the book may become interesting. What conclusions is the author going to draw about the nature of the creator and the fall of the angels? Are we being faced with a mere polytheistic materialism, a form of Gnostic dualism, a form of Judio-Christian monotheism, or is it something completely unique?
August 15, 2018
I desperately wanted to like this book as I am a great fan of the Scourwind series and this series is set in the same universe but not at the same time. Now as this is the first book I might read the second one in the hopes that it will improve as the author is good.
A few hundred years ago the technologically advanced humans - think Star Trek and beyond - were overrun by creatures they named demons, who essentially spread a disease that turns everyone into a creature of low intelligence. Over time these can evolve to higher levels - nine in all - at which point they become smarter and apparently also more dangerous. The war reduced the human numbers to a few thousand and sent them back to the middle ages. This somewhat depressing premise is the first problem. If the humans were so technologically advanced then how did the demons, who are dumb and have no technology, ever win? There are three different explanations offered throughout the book, none particularly satisfying. Of course, finding that explanation might be one of the major plot points for the series. Also, how are a handful of people supposed to win now, just they found a new champion - a new hope - in the form of a teenager.
The main character is my next criticism. The girl, Elan, is your classic protagonist at the beginning of the hero’s journey. She lived a secluded life, then suffered a great trauma - the death of her parents - which set her on her path. A little bad behavior is perfectly understandable under the circumstances. However, we are talking Anakin versus Luke Skywalker here. I lost count of how many times she was angry or petulant.
Last but not least, this book is one endless battle after the other. Besides being rather monotonous to read, they were of the one person killing hundreds variety. Now I love my seemingly invincible James Bond type heroes as much as the next girl but given the context that just seemed ridiculous.
A few hundred years ago the technologically advanced humans - think Star Trek and beyond - were overrun by creatures they named demons, who essentially spread a disease that turns everyone into a creature of low intelligence. Over time these can evolve to higher levels - nine in all - at which point they become smarter and apparently also more dangerous. The war reduced the human numbers to a few thousand and sent them back to the middle ages. This somewhat depressing premise is the first problem. If the humans were so technologically advanced then how did the demons, who are dumb and have no technology, ever win? There are three different explanations offered throughout the book, none particularly satisfying. Of course, finding that explanation might be one of the major plot points for the series. Also, how are a handful of people supposed to win now, just they found a new champion - a new hope - in the form of a teenager.
The main character is my next criticism. The girl, Elan, is your classic protagonist at the beginning of the hero’s journey. She lived a secluded life, then suffered a great trauma - the death of her parents - which set her on her path. A little bad behavior is perfectly understandable under the circumstances. However, we are talking Anakin versus Luke Skywalker here. I lost count of how many times she was angry or petulant.
Last but not least, this book is one endless battle after the other. Besides being rather monotonous to read, they were of the one person killing hundreds variety. Now I love my seemingly invincible James Bond type heroes as much as the next girl but given the context that just seemed ridiculous.
July 17, 2022
Interesting concept, poor execution. The book is trying to lump too many different genres together in a way that in conceptually intriguing but ultimately doesn't work. It's a fantasy, sci-fi, teen drama, coming of age, post-apocalyptic, adult horror, action, adventure book that doesn't so much blend the genres but jumps between them scene to scene. The writing style feels like it's aimed at an audience that would look up to its powerful, independent 16 year old protagonist but the violence is excessively graphic and hints in a sexual direction more than once.
Over all the pacing feels more like the tutorial of a video game than a world building, plot establishing, first book in a trilogy. The world building creates more questions than it answers and it feels like the author has a vision/feel of what he wanted the setting to be but couldn't figure out how to make it make sense and so left the history vague.
In summary Knighthood (and the whole Atlantis Rising trilogy for that matter) is a mediocre book that would be better served as a video game or high budget CGI heavy B-grade action blockbuster
Over all the pacing feels more like the tutorial of a video game than a world building, plot establishing, first book in a trilogy. The world building creates more questions than it answers and it feels like the author has a vision/feel of what he wanted the setting to be but couldn't figure out how to make it make sense and so left the history vague.
In summary Knighthood (and the whole Atlantis Rising trilogy for that matter) is a mediocre book that would be better served as a video game or high budget CGI heavy B-grade action blockbuster
January 17, 2018
Demons and hero's and war, oh my..
A strong female lead powers this impressive fantasy novel.
Elan is only 16 when the demons track down and kill her parents, destroying everything she ever knew. Elan was brought up alone by her mother in the desert wilderness. Her father had been trying to fight the demons that have taken over the Earth, destroying all but a few small outposts of humanity. When he returned to his wife and child he taught Elan as much about fighting and survival as he could before the demons found him.
After seeing her parents brutally murdered by the demons and their human collaborator, Elan vows to kill them all. But when she catches up to the killers things don't go as planned.
Results: I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-defined, the storyline is interesting, and there's a lot of action. The action scenes aren't too graphic to be enjoyable, and there's no sex and very little swearing.
A strong female lead powers this impressive fantasy novel.
Elan is only 16 when the demons track down and kill her parents, destroying everything she ever knew. Elan was brought up alone by her mother in the desert wilderness. Her father had been trying to fight the demons that have taken over the Earth, destroying all but a few small outposts of humanity. When he returned to his wife and child he taught Elan as much about fighting and survival as he could before the demons found him.
After seeing her parents brutally murdered by the demons and their human collaborator, Elan vows to kill them all. But when she catches up to the killers things don't go as planned.
Results: I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-defined, the storyline is interesting, and there's a lot of action. The action scenes aren't too graphic to be enjoyable, and there's no sex and very little swearing.
June 28, 2018
The reviews I read before reading this book were quite conflicted. People were either highly critical or gushing praise. This is the first book I have read by this author and I decided to give it a chance.
I read for pleasure, but I am highly sensitive to grammatical errors...I find them distracting. Another reader mentioned in their review that they thought the book was self-edited, so I was concerned this might be an issue. I did not find that o to be the case. In fact, the book had none of the common errors that I normally see. It was quite refreshing.
The book did start off slowly. It was not done badly, but the story is not nearly as well written as later on in the book. So if you are giving this book a try, don't give up too early. It gets much better. By the last few chapters, I could hardly put it down!
I read for pleasure, but I am highly sensitive to grammatical errors...I find them distracting. Another reader mentioned in their review that they thought the book was self-edited, so I was concerned this might be an issue. I did not find that o to be the case. In fact, the book had none of the common errors that I normally see. It was quite refreshing.
The book did start off slowly. It was not done badly, but the story is not nearly as well written as later on in the book. So if you are giving this book a try, don't give up too early. It gets much better. By the last few chapters, I could hardly put it down!
June 3, 2017
Excellent
Great first novel in a new series. I've enjoyed Evan Currie's Odyssey One and Heirs of the Empire series. The Knighthood is the beginning of a new series and is well worth the read. Currie has a solid way of writing interesting characters and intriguing stories. This novel is no different. Set in a post-apocalyptic (or maybe ante-diluvian) world the remnants of humanity must struggle to fight hordes of demons that seek to overrun Earth and end humanity. I really enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Great first novel in a new series. I've enjoyed Evan Currie's Odyssey One and Heirs of the Empire series. The Knighthood is the beginning of a new series and is well worth the read. Currie has a solid way of writing interesting characters and intriguing stories. This novel is no different. Set in a post-apocalyptic (or maybe ante-diluvian) world the remnants of humanity must struggle to fight hordes of demons that seek to overrun Earth and end humanity. I really enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more in this series.
November 7, 2021
just as good as I remember
This is my second time reading this book. The author recently published the final book in the series and I wanted to go back and refresh everything. It has what you want drama action heartache. This is one of those stories that we’ll talk at your heart strings but it also make you believe in humanity. It’s not over arching or overreaching or trying to teach you some major lesson it’s just a great story.
All three books are on Amazon you do need to search for the second book it is not listed in the series but it is there.
This is my second time reading this book. The author recently published the final book in the series and I wanted to go back and refresh everything. It has what you want drama action heartache. This is one of those stories that we’ll talk at your heart strings but it also make you believe in humanity. It’s not over arching or overreaching or trying to teach you some major lesson it’s just a great story.
All three books are on Amazon you do need to search for the second book it is not listed in the series but it is there.
August 22, 2017
Wisdom and great writing!
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am impressed . There was a strong moral current that accompanied attractive characters as well as despicable villains. It was a page turner but long enough to enjoy for several days unlike much of the current science fiction and fantasy that are not much more than short stories or novellas. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of his work.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am impressed . There was a strong moral current that accompanied attractive characters as well as despicable villains. It was a page turner but long enough to enjoy for several days unlike much of the current science fiction and fantasy that are not much more than short stories or novellas. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of his work.
November 16, 2017
Very Good Sword and Sorcery/Demon Invasion Novel
A little bit sword and sorcery, a little bit a young adult/coming-of-age story, even a little bit of Bible story, and a lot of demon invasion attacks combine to make this fascinating novel. Evan Currie does like his strong female protagonists and that pattern includes this enjoyable story of survival in the face of extreme evil.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A little bit sword and sorcery, a little bit a young adult/coming-of-age story, even a little bit of Bible story, and a lot of demon invasion attacks combine to make this fascinating novel. Evan Currie does like his strong female protagonists and that pattern includes this enjoyable story of survival in the face of extreme evil.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
March 1, 2017
A fun standalone novel that is made even richer by the tie-ins to the authors Heirs series. Heirs of Empire. If all self published novels were this good I wouldn't constantly be searching for new books.
May 21, 2017
Read this BOOK!!!
I am not usually a fan of " demon " stories. But this book is different!!! I laughed so loud at Merlin the EI that my son came in to see what was so funny. Read this book and join Elan on her journey. The story and characters are wonderful!!! Will be looking for them again
I am not usually a fan of " demon " stories. But this book is different!!! I laughed so loud at Merlin the EI that my son came in to see what was so funny. Read this book and join Elan on her journey. The story and characters are wonderful!!! Will be looking for them again
July 8, 2017
I almost didn't read this book, but . . .
I almost didn't read this book because very early on he uses the phrase "it's always just before the dawn." I was thinking that that's soooooo not original. The author, though, knows a lot more about writing than I do. This story is very original and I loved it. Looking forward to the rest of this series!
I almost didn't read this book because very early on he uses the phrase "it's always just before the dawn." I was thinking that that's soooooo not original. The author, though, knows a lot more about writing than I do. This story is very original and I loved it. Looking forward to the rest of this series!
January 19, 2018
Another Winner from Currie
I really like all of Curries different series. This is problematic in one way... They don't come out as fast as if he focused on just one series, as many authors seem to do today. I'm not complaining, it's a great problem to have, but now I'm waiting on a bunch of highly anticipated next entries!
I really like all of Curries different series. This is problematic in one way... They don't come out as fast as if he focused on just one series, as many authors seem to do today. I'm not complaining, it's a great problem to have, but now I'm waiting on a bunch of highly anticipated next entries!
May 28, 2018
Another Hit by Evan a Currie
This book was great. Characters were developed so that you felt a "connection" to them. Kaern, Simone, Caleb and of course Merlin and Elan encountered and dealt with events only a deranged mind or a Sci Fi writer could dream up.
Loved it, can't say any more
This book was great. Characters were developed so that you felt a "connection" to them. Kaern, Simone, Caleb and of course Merlin and Elan encountered and dealt with events only a deranged mind or a Sci Fi writer could dream up.
Loved it, can't say any more
November 5, 2018
Already waiting to book 3
I was very quickly hooked¡ not surprising when its author released something new. The lead character , female, is is young and totally innocent of the world at large. Not giving anything away as that will be apparent in the first few pages. If you like syfi and fantasy with strong female characters you will love this!
I was very quickly hooked¡ not surprising when its author released something new. The lead character , female, is is young and totally innocent of the world at large. Not giving anything away as that will be apparent in the first few pages. If you like syfi and fantasy with strong female characters you will love this!
March 31, 2022
Yet another surprising marvellous Currie world
Having read several of Evan Currie's terrific and unexpectedly diverse series, The Knighthood introduces a fantastic world, creatures, and people. It is a terrific and wonderful read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Having read several of Evan Currie's terrific and unexpectedly diverse series, The Knighthood introduces a fantastic world, creatures, and people. It is a terrific and wonderful read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 12, 2023
🎧📚
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, I like to give kudos to the narrator! She didn't just read. She performed and did a really great job.
The story was ah-mazing!
I'm not even sure if I'm to put it as an epic fantasy or sci-fi or maybe a mix.
Anyway, it was an entertaining read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book should not be judged by its cover.
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, I like to give kudos to the narrator! She didn't just read. She performed and did a really great job.
The story was ah-mazing!
I'm not even sure if I'm to put it as an epic fantasy or sci-fi or maybe a mix.
Anyway, it was an entertaining read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book should not be judged by its cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews