Rise from Dirt

(Dirt and Stars #3)

Kevin Killiany (Goodreads Author)

4.50 · Rating details · 4 ratings · 2 reviews

Dirt is for heroes.

Mara Duval, a spacer born on Tombaugh Station, came down to Earth prepared to endure six weeks of exile on the disease-ridden, war-torn wasteland that spacers call dirt. Instead, she discovered the Space Service's stranglehold on access to space is built on lies, and people who deserve to be part of humanity's reach for the stars are denied their birthri Dirt is for heroes.

Mara Duval, a spacer born on Tombaugh Station, came down to Earth prepared to endure six weeks of exile on the disease-ridden, war-torn wasteland that spacers call dirt. Instead, she discovered the Space Service's stranglehold on access to space is built on lies, and people who deserve to be part of humanity's reach for the stars are denied their birthright. Mara got the word out, and for her crimes was "disappeared" without warning.

But the Space Service desperately needs people to explore and colonize the outer worlds, young people who can be molded in the spacer tradition. To attract national attention, they launch the first Boot Camp competition: a months-long contest, with the top twelve finishers earning a coveted spot in Space Service Junior Officer Training. And because of Mara, Boot Camp is open to everyone.

Jael Alden has always known her future lies among the stars--but decades of Space Service discrimination stand in her way. Boot Camp gives her a chance to take the Space Service head on, to make one of those spots her own. She doesn't care the contest will be rigged against her, designed to make all minority challengers fail. Jael has wanted the stars all her life--and she's willing to risk everything to prove the best will always rise from dirt.

"Kevin Killiany's delightfully immersive writing sucks you right into the characters, their situation, their location, and their lives. A most compelling read." Keith R. A. DeCandido, Author of Novels in "Star Trek," "Supernatural," "Sleepy Hollow," and More

Evolved Publishing presents the third book in Dirt and Stars. This young adult science fiction series features an alternate history adventure sure to keep you glued to the page.

Books by Kevin Killiany:

Down to Dirt (Book 1)
Life on Dirt (Book 2)
Rise from Dirt (Book 3)
For the Stars (Book 4) [Coming Late 2018]
More Great Sci-Fi from Evolved Publishing:

"Star City" Series by Edwin Peng
"Noah Zarc" Series by D. Robert Pease
Two Moons of Sera by P.K. Tyler
The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich
"Panhelion Chronicles" Series by Marlin Desault ...more

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Paperback, 508 pages

Published May 3rd 2018 by Evolved Publishing

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May 22, 2022 Lex Allen rated it it was amazing

The exciting epic science fiction series, Dirt and Stars, continues with volume three, Rise From Dirt as the Space Service launches the first Boot Camp competition (a months-long contest) that will earn the top twelve finishers a spot in Space Service Junior Officer Training. Thanks to Mara, Boot Camp is open to everyone. Jael Alden knows that racism runs rampant throughout the Space Service and that puts her at a distinct disadvantage, but she's determined to risk everything to prove the best w The exciting epic science fiction series, Dirt and Stars, continues with volume three, Rise From Dirt as the Space Service launches the first Boot Camp competition (a months-long contest) that will earn the top twelve finishers a spot in Space Service Junior Officer Training. Thanks to Mara, Boot Camp is open to everyone. Jael Alden knows that racism runs rampant throughout the Space Service and that puts her at a distinct disadvantage, but she's determined to risk everything to prove the best will always rise from dirt.

A difficult, if not impossible, task for most authors is writing from multiple points of view without confusing the reader as to who is narrating the story. Keven Killiany excels in this style as there is never confusion and in fact, the story truly comes to life with the innermost thoughts of each of the main characters. But Rise From Dirt is more than a commercially designed young adult science fiction story; it's also a mirror that reflects a future carried forward from current racial and gender injustices.

Generally, though a fine line defines them; commercial fiction and literature are at opposite ends of the publishing spectrum. Killiany is among only a handful of authors (I've read) that can bring the two styles together. In fact, Rise From Dirt, and the entire Dirt and Stars series fits snugly into the relatively new genre that publishers and agents call "Upmarket"— a commercial fiction novel that expresses a higher level of language mixed with a theme expressing societal issues… their cause, effect, and mitigation. Another aspect of Kevin Killiany's talent shines through his capability for getting deeply into the hearts and minds of female characters. His main characters Jael, Mara, Fatima, Beth, and Lije are each different but perfect in their characterization and place in the story.

Rise From Dirt, and each of the novels in the Dust and Stars series, are stand-alone that can be read and enjoyed without the others, but I highly recommend the entire series. From young adult to the "techiest" of science fiction fans, these stories will amaze, educate, and entertain. ...more

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Jun 05, 2018 Carol rated it really liked it

Disclaimer: I am virtual friends with the author and I was one of several readers of an earlier version of the novel as Kevin was kind enough to acknowledge in the book. That said, I really enjoyed both readings of Rise from Dirt.

As with the other books in the Dirt to Stars series, the world building is outstanding. The description of life on the space station, of the equipment, the action on the station, etc are presented in painstaking and realistic details which will enthrall any science fict ...more

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