A Red Sun Rises

by K.D. Van Brunt

~Editor's Pick~Nine years ago, an unknown poison called the “Red” saturated the atmosphere of the entire planet, killing off everyone except a remnant of immune survivors. Jake is a survivor, but the Red has left its mark on him, changing him in strange ways he does not understand. The answers to his questions, however, will not be found inside the gated confines of his small community.The immune are not the only survivors. A handful of non-immune scientists and their families also escaped death by retreating inside a giant underground bunker called the Hole. Unable to breathe the outside air, the inhabitants of the Hole search for a way to fix the air.Seventeen-year-old Paige grew up in the Hole. Its concrete hallways and chambers are all she knows. Trained as a medic, she works with her father to find a way to cleanse the atmosphere and restore the balance of nature.Paige and Jake live in different worlds, each seeking answers that seem impossible to find. Everything changes when their lives collide in a chance encounter. Paige realizes that Jake may hold the key to defeating the Red, and Jake, in turn, realizes that Paige and her people may have the answers about where he came from and why he is what he is. With time running out, the two rush to uncover not only what the Red really is, but also the strange connection growing between them.

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2020

About the author

I am a lawyer and have been writing professionally my entire career. I moved around a lot growing up (mostly in Southern California) before settling down on a ranch outside the town of Nespelem, Washington on the Colville reservation. I came east to go to law school a long time ago and never went home again. Today, I live in the great state of Maryland with my standard poodle, Aloy, who is my patient muse. In additional to numerous (and boring) legal writings, I’ve published seven young adult books with independent publishers, probably the best known of which is the Win the Rings trilogy. My stories all have a strong romantic element and tend to be very character driven. In addition to novels, I have also published an eclectic mix of short stories, ranging from romance to science fiction. My stories have won awards and my writing has gained favorable recognition (but I could always use more). In my spare time, when not writing, I enjoy a good road trip, watching hockey, and pretty much anything to do with poodles.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there room for another tale decimating the world through a virus? The answer is YES. K.D. Van Brunt has dished up a young adult tale of survival and the struggle feels real and it’s called A RED SUN RISES. Earth’s atmosphere has become deadly, except for the few who were immune, but they have not been left unchanged while the rest have gone underground, trying to discover a vaccine to stop the Red.

Hang on for some truly realistic young adult attitude and talk as Paige, who grew up in “the Hole,” and Jake, a topsider each seek answers to what the future will bring. Could Jake be the secret weapon in the race to find a cure? He has survived the Red, but his body has become something “other” as he fights to keep his secrets safe. Meanwhile is there a bond forming between the feisty Paige and Jake< two young people from different worlds. Does the fate of humanity lay in their hands?

I really like the natural feel to the dialogue. I swear I could hear two teens talking! Not too deep, but filled with enough intrigue and events that make this tale feel rather frighteningly real. Definitely a magnetic young adult read, sure to engage all ages!

I received a complimentary copy from Evernight Teen! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Trilogy: A New Earth - Book 1
Publisher: Evernight Teen (February 13, 2020)
Publication Date: February 13, 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Gritnay · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the tropes used in this story are quite common, but probably because they work quite well.
There is the post apocalyptic world following a pandemic. There are the few that were immune and are now finding a way to live in an emptied world.
Nature has changed and is becoming increasingly dangerous to humans.
A few scientists are locked in a bunker trying to figure out a solution before time runs out.
And of course the star crossed two - one on either side. The skateboarding bunker medic and the changing outside boy.

Most of these tropes work quite well for me and I enjoyed this book! Not amused by the cliffhanger (but then I never am) - I’ll will have to pick up to next book just to see how this plays out..
The reason for knocking a star off the rating is mostly down to some of the writing feeling immature and unfinished. Some repetitions, lack of editing (though this might be because this is still an ARC) and also some factual inconsistencies about the medical and virus containment situations. Sometimes this brought me out of the story, which just isn’t fun, but then maybe that’s not an issue at all for other readers..
but apart from that it’s a fun book for those that enjoy this genre of YA!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for approving the ARC!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I am one of those readers who will read just about anything that catches my attention. A Red Sun Rising came across to me to read and I was definitely intrigued by the blurb, especially living in world with our own pandemic happening.

A Red Sun Rising is about a virus that filtrated the air 9 years ago and killed off nearly all the world's population. There are now two groups of people left – the ones who were immune to the virus and those who were able to escape to a bunker that keeps them safe from the virus that still floating in the air.

This story is told mostly from two MC POV's – Jake and Paige. Jake is one the few who are immune to the disease and have been to survive within in small town. Paige is one of the few remaining people living in the bunker trying to find a cure for virus.

I truly enjoyed how the author wrote this story. It is told in 3rd person so this allows the author to write the story from other character's perspectives as well and that adds another layer to the story. I was glued to this story from start to finish. I finished it one day. This book does end does end on a cliffhanger, but it's also a nice segue into the next book. We get answers to a lot of questions in this book but the author builds the next book very well.

For all my fellow YA romance, dystopian and sci-fi readers, you definitely want to give this book a read. It's intriguing and has a unique take on a plot that has been done many times before.

[Ian Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a futuristic dystopian novel in which a virus (red death) has wiped out most of civilization and its action is almost instantaneous – after a touch of infection you do not have an hour. (Something to think about with COVID-19 about.) Somewhat unrealistic, but it is a given, and even more unrealistic, it sticks around in the air even if it has nobody to infect. There are three basic groups here: one in an underground bunker desperately seeking a vaccine; a nearby group who have survived and are generously helping those in the bunker by bringing some food, and there is Jake. Jake technically belongs to group 2, but he is different in that he is much younger (the only person to survive as a child, at least in this region, with the initial exposure) and he finds that as he gets just past puberty his body is changing and he is becoming enhanced in some ways. The search for the vaccine has hit a stumbling point. Some special material is required, someone had gone to get it, but was killed by some particularly ferocious animals. (Wolves get huge, thanks to the virus). Jake sets out to get it.
The world building is excellent, and better still, it all follows logically from the primary premise. There are crises, but they tend to come from character aspects rather than the environment. The weird monsters, etc, only attack if you go into their territory. The characters are nicely drawn and self-consistent in their behaviour, the descriptions of the environment and the action are very well done. The ending clearly signals another book, but it does have an ending, although I would have preferred an answer to what happened to Carl to have an outcome. All in all, a good read for lockdown, and those who wish to emerge too early.

[♠ TABI⁷ ♠]

[Baeleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. I couldn't put it down

[James Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing. A must read. I highly recommend you at least reading a sample of this book.

[Catknipnd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world changed the day The Red escaped from the research facility. The Red manifested like a souped up Ebola virus but killed within hours rather than days. It mutated the animals that didn’t die as well. The atmosphere is red and won’t clear for centuries.

Jake is one of the few children that survived. So far, all babies born are not immune and die. A small group of those not immune survive in a research bunker called The Hole. Paige is 17 years old and has grown up quickly in The Hole.. She is one of the lead medics in The Hole. Jake is immune but The Red has changed him. He can see and hear far outside human norms as well as needing very little sleep and has an increased stamina that allows him to physically exert himself without tiring.

This book takes a very different look at a pandemic; very apropos for the current climate. The book is a bit slow to get started, but once it does, you can’t put it down. It is the first of a series and does end with a cliffhanger, so now anxiously awaiting the next book.

The book does do a good job of world building. He also fleshes out the characters as the book progresses rather than do huge info dumps that interfere with the story progression. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy from Reading Deals for my honest opinion.

[Caity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads first reads program.

The overall premise of the book and the setting are really intriguing and drew me in from the start. There are two groups cooperating to survive in a world where the air is filled with a deadly virus, one that has immunity and lives outside in the infected air and one in a scientific bunker searching for a vaccine. The introduction of both groups and the strengths and weaknesses of their homes is well done and sets the way for a interesting mix of characters. The two main characters are teenagers one from each group and their places within their groups helps build an interesting relationship between them. I really enjoyed the main characters, they felt very real a bit flawed but also both undeniably bad ass. The virus itself is very science fantasy which i don't have a problem with however, the characters repeated discussions of how the virus shouldn't physically be able to the things it does and the characters shrugging this off did bring me out of the story and ruin my suspension of disbelief. I did also start reading the book with the expectation that it would be a faster paced race against time and felt that overall that sense of urgency wasn't really there. Overall though it's a great story with well written characters.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

I had a hard time getting into this one, as A RED SUN RISES centers around a global pandemic that wipes out nearly 98% of the population. Being that it's 2020 and we're wrapped up in our own Covid-19 pandemic, it hit a little close to home.

Obviously, the virus in this book was a lot more deadly. It is viral and lives in the air constantly, and mutates anything that it touches. The virus compared greatly to perhaps what would happen if we were ever to get into a nuclear war and wipe out the planet.

The storyline held me interested most of the time as it centered around two characters (one immune, the other a doctor working to cure the virus) as they seek out the one element that could cure the Red. It's a dystopian journey of two people fighting to survive in a world forever changed. All in all, I found this book enjoyable, though I don't think I'm interested enough to read the rest of the series.

3/5 stars

[John W · Rating 5 out of 5]

KD Van Brunt knows how to write a good story. Another example is found in his latest read, A Red Sun Rises which was written and released, interestingly enough before "the pandemic" became a real thing. The post virus apocalyptic world sets the stage for high drama, genetically modified creatures and a twist on a the old Romeo/juliet love theme, albeit this time around involving skateboards and subterranean labs versus gauntlets and balconies. The story line is fast-pace and is a race against time inspired by courage and a love that is just beginning to blossom or die on the vine. It is a story you will have to read to know how it ends. That said, don't think that this is just some soppy love story, unless that includes fending off a pack of genetically modified and super-sized wolves from the top of your camper van. Mr. Van Brunt has done it again. This book is the first in the trilogy and I will be looking forward to the continuation of a story line that has set a very high threshold in terms of entertaining, escapism literature. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Good stuff.

[Steve Koyasako · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first YA trilogy volume more than I expected. I won a free paperback copy from Evernight Teen and K. D. Van Brunt in exchange for an honest review. While the plot scenario wasn't that original (global man-made pandemic kills off most of humanity except for certain "immunes" and scientists in an underground bunker environment), the protagonists are well-drawn and likable, while the action is well-paced and holds your attention.

The two seventeen-year-old romantic leads are especially attractive characters. Neither is perfect, but both are strong, independent, and competent in their own ways. Less can be said of some of the adult characters, some of whom are really bad actors. The book ends on a real downer for me, which I won't go into more because it would be a spoiler, but that affected my overall rating for the book overall. Maybe that wouldn't bother someone else, though.

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. This was an unusual take on a dystopian apocalypse story. It has almost everything. There is a dash of romance, a hint of young adult, and a lot of suspense. I was surprised at how well developed the characters were. They started off a little bit cliched, but quickly filled out into people I became interested in. This is the first book in a trilogy with hints of plot twists to come in future books. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I highly recommend this book fro those who love Sci-fi, Dystopia, or Young Adult.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Red Sun Rises (The New Earth Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition
by K.D. Van Brunt

Ah, dear readers, we have another 'global pandemic requires post-apocalyptic survival' story. But this one is filled with young adult angst in a dystopian world. Paige and Jake, the main characters, are teenagers, and the way the dialogue is written makes that perfectly clear, which is no easy feat to accomplish.

I appreciated that this story takes place many years after the pandemic and mass deaths that it caused for this book but I do hope the author considers writing a prequel. Van Brunt has written some amazingly imaginative characters and creatures in A Red Sun Rises but where I thought he shined was with the virus itself. The Red does some messed up stuff beyond killing people within an hour of infection and mutating animals in terrifyingly strange ways and that's what I want more of.

By the way, I despise cliffhangers. Book 2 better be worth it.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do I like dystopian stories? The answer is YES! If they are done right I love them and this is why I read A Red Sun Rises going into it with my head in the mood for enjoying a dystopian YA story.
A world is contaminated by something called Red. A poison. No one knows how it has started but only a very few people are immune and survived outside of bunkers. Why those people? No one knows.
This story follows two MC - Jake and Paige. They come from two different worlds. He's a survivor and she lives in a closed bunker. They should never meet besides group connecting in exchange for information. Yet something happens and maybe this will be a game-changer for their world?
Sounds great? I know I think so too. But somehow this story had now worked for me and I didn't feel any connection with Jake or Paige, I was just by them not feeling emotions for them. I hope in the next story I will find this lost puzzle.

[Tayler Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Red Sun Rises
I didn’t realize I was missing a good dystopian novel with a sci-fi twist. This novel took a used plot and made it unique. The characters were interesting and made you care about them. The twists were surprising and the plot was complex and the perfect pace. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I would give it actually 4.5 stars

[Ivy Bookdragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of A Red Sun Rises and the characters were interesting, unique and lovable.
I loved that Paige, one of the main characters, got around on a skateboard in the bunker she lived, and that Jake, who lives on the outside, suddenly developed enhanced senses.

The reason why I don't give all the stars is the storytelling. While I really liked the overall worldbuilding I found myself skipping some parts because I thought they slowed the story down.
I still would recommend the book because it's a good and different take on dystopian virus outbreaks and the life after.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This YA was a pleasant surprise. I loved the characterization, the plot, and the pace of this sci fi novel. I probably would have given it 5 stars if the story was complete.
Paige is a spunky, smart medic who works and lives at the facility with all the humans who cannot survive outside. I liked that she is gritty, compassionate and is fiercely loyal to her friends and father. She is the perfect counterpart to Jake who is also gritty and loves to push his limits. Their relationship is sweet and slow burn.
Jake develops abilities no one else can explain and he uses those abilities to get the medicine Paige and her father need to develop a vaccine.
Without saying too much, the author paints a world decimated by a virus that has transformed the people, the animals and it's surroundings. It's both scary and fascinating.
Cannot wait till the next installment

[Excelrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading A Red Sun Rises by K.D.Van Brunt. Although I was concerned that it would too closely mirror the current situation with Covid-19 to be enjoyable, I found that the pacing of the story kept me enthralled. The characters are believable, and seem to be aimed at young/ new adults. The ending of this first installment of the series was a cliffhanger; I'll be looking for the sequel.

Merged review:

I enjoyed reading A Red Sun Rises by K.D.Van Brunt. Although I was concerned that it would too closely mirror the current situation with Covid-19 to be enjoyable, I found that the pacing of the story kept me enthralled. The characters are believable, and seem to be aimed at young/ new adults. The ending of this first installment of the series was a cliffhanger; I'll be looking for the sequel.

[Reid Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

KD Van Brunt's A Red Sun Rises is a great (and timely) addition to the shelves of YA dystopian SF - compelling protagonists, a catastrophe with a (possible) mysterious secret, and a burgeoning love story, tainted by separation and the unknown. Brunt's characters feel real, with individual ambitions and desires, while avoiding too much similarity in their tones and voices. His world feels real, with just enough uncertainty mixed in to keep the reader wanting to learn more about the future post the Red virus. The action scenes feel vivid and thought out, allowing the reader to feel what is at stake with every potential encounter. The novel ends with enough oomph to encourage the reader to watch for book two; I know I will be.