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Ember Society #1
From the Dust
The New American government does everything “For the Greater Good.” Or does it?
When Claren Greenwood is identified as an Empath during her aptitude test, she’s offered a rare position among the Peacemakers in her city. Becoming a Peacemaker may finally be Claren’s ticket to a better life, allowing her to overcome a turbulent family history.
But when her brother gets into trouble with the city again, Claren finds herself straddling two worlds—one begging her to work for “The Greater Good,” and the other destroying everything she thought she understood about life in the city.
Claren must discover what’s true and what’s a lie in order to save her brother. And she must do it without losing the trust of either side.
Fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games will love this new series by debut author AR Colbert. With political intrigue, espionage, and little romance along the way, this series has it all. Prepare to get hooked!
When Claren Greenwood is identified as an Empath during her aptitude test, she’s offered a rare position among the Peacemakers in her city. Becoming a Peacemaker may finally be Claren’s ticket to a better life, allowing her to overcome a turbulent family history.
But when her brother gets into trouble with the city again, Claren finds herself straddling two worlds—one begging her to work for “The Greater Good,” and the other destroying everything she thought she understood about life in the city.
Claren must discover what’s true and what’s a lie in order to save her brother. And she must do it without losing the trust of either side.
Fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games will love this new series by debut author AR Colbert. With political intrigue, espionage, and little romance along the way, this series has it all. Prepare to get hooked!
323 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 30, 2020
Great story. I loved the characters. The world building was great. I want to know what’s on the outside of the wall. Hopefully the next book will take us there!
Narration by Jennifer Groberg was excellent. Really enjoyed her voice.
I did find myself yelling at a Claren not to trust anyone.... she had to learn the hard way.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Narration by Jennifer Groberg was excellent. Really enjoyed her voice.
I did find myself yelling at a Claren not to trust anyone.... she had to learn the hard way.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
November 3, 2020
Oh My Goodness, it's Such a Good Series Starter!
So, it's 2:40am and I can honestly say that I couldn't find a good place to stop this one nor did I want to... even knowing I will pay for the lack of sleep. This story really grabs you pretty quickly and the author does a fantastic job of getting you attached to the different characters. Book one is a clean book free of bad language, bedroom scenes and no overly graphic violence so I would feel comfortable with my middle schoolers reading it. This book doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger per say but it definitely leave you wanting book two quickly. This author has created a very interesting and believable socialist/communist society in "New America" that is very eerie, intriguing, and true to human nature... The lie of socialism is that everyone gets the same and will be on the same level is shown so well. I don't want to give anything away so I will keep this short, if you like the dystopian genre then you will love this one!
The narrator does a great job and was fun and easy to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
So, it's 2:40am and I can honestly say that I couldn't find a good place to stop this one nor did I want to... even knowing I will pay for the lack of sleep. This story really grabs you pretty quickly and the author does a fantastic job of getting you attached to the different characters. Book one is a clean book free of bad language, bedroom scenes and no overly graphic violence so I would feel comfortable with my middle schoolers reading it. This book doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger per say but it definitely leave you wanting book two quickly. This author has created a very interesting and believable socialist/communist society in "New America" that is very eerie, intriguing, and true to human nature... The lie of socialism is that everyone gets the same and will be on the same level is shown so well. I don't want to give anything away so I will keep this short, if you like the dystopian genre then you will love this one!
The narrator does a great job and was fun and easy to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 14, 2021
I love a great Dystopian book, especially, when it's a reformat of America.
We start of with a young Claren who has a sharp mind & a great love for her brother. She does have a bit of a complex view of her brother not being intelligent and of needing her to save him. But that's very common of girl siblings in her situation. :-)
She was totally sabotaged by the system, so it seems. Buuttt, that's where the excitement begins. Poor girl, didn't know what hit & it throws here in to a tizzy. Remember, she's only 17!
World building is great and it's easy to visualize all that happens and where at. I kinda think of it as Washington D.C. and the suburbs/cities surrounding with the wilds encircling all of it. But that's just me. ;-)
I'm "reading" via the Audible book. The narrator is great and reads as if their are no editing issues at all which is great!
As for the ending, well, I started book 2 right away but it was after 3am & I fell asleep. Couldn't wait to pick it up the next day. :-D
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review.
We start of with a young Claren who has a sharp mind & a great love for her brother. She does have a bit of a complex view of her brother not being intelligent and of needing her to save him. But that's very common of girl siblings in her situation. :-)
She was totally sabotaged by the system, so it seems. Buuttt, that's where the excitement begins. Poor girl, didn't know what hit & it throws here in to a tizzy. Remember, she's only 17!
World building is great and it's easy to visualize all that happens and where at. I kinda think of it as Washington D.C. and the suburbs/cities surrounding with the wilds encircling all of it. But that's just me. ;-)
I'm "reading" via the Audible book. The narrator is great and reads as if their are no editing issues at all which is great!
As for the ending, well, I started book 2 right away but it was after 3am & I fell asleep. Couldn't wait to pick it up the next day. :-D
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
1★ story line
1★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ narration or editing
1★ the ending
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 2, 2021
There's Hope for Dystopian Fiction!
I couldn't put it down. Dystopian fiction was my favorite to read but honestly it began getting repetitive with the stories. I didn't read a book from this genre in months! Then this book comes along. I wasn't sure if I'd like it but it was Free so I gave it a chance and well, let's just say I couldn't put it down. Literally. I read it all in one sitting, it was just THAT good! The characters were lovable (and some love to hate-able), the plot continued to thicken, it was not predictable like most books in the genre I've read and it kept me rooting for the main character Claren! This should honestly be a movie or something. Being that I read it in about 5 hours, I'd say the author did her job very well with this and she deserves the money for this book so I'll be paying her as a 'thank you' for such a job well done. Now, I'm on to the rest of the series. Tata!
I couldn't put it down. Dystopian fiction was my favorite to read but honestly it began getting repetitive with the stories. I didn't read a book from this genre in months! Then this book comes along. I wasn't sure if I'd like it but it was Free so I gave it a chance and well, let's just say I couldn't put it down. Literally. I read it all in one sitting, it was just THAT good! The characters were lovable (and some love to hate-able), the plot continued to thicken, it was not predictable like most books in the genre I've read and it kept me rooting for the main character Claren! This should honestly be a movie or something. Being that I read it in about 5 hours, I'd say the author did her job very well with this and she deserves the money for this book so I'll be paying her as a 'thank you' for such a job well done. Now, I'm on to the rest of the series. Tata!
June 15, 2020
From the dust review
I was super impressed with A.R. Colbert’s first audiobook and can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series when it’s released! First off, the society is amazing. I loved the dystopian setting, and the creativity that Colbert gave to the community and ruling parties. The characters were also really addictive and I can see how many different readers could see pieces of themselves in Claren. I love a strong heroine, and she is very fierce. I can’t wait to watch her develop and grow throughout the series. I also loved the idea of the “empath” and the creativity and uniqueness that the ability brought to the reader or listener. All together the plot was fast moving and addictive, the writing was really engaging and well composed, and the narration was enjoyable. I would definitely recommend!
I was super impressed with A.R. Colbert’s first audiobook and can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series when it’s released! First off, the society is amazing. I loved the dystopian setting, and the creativity that Colbert gave to the community and ruling parties. The characters were also really addictive and I can see how many different readers could see pieces of themselves in Claren. I love a strong heroine, and she is very fierce. I can’t wait to watch her develop and grow throughout the series. I also loved the idea of the “empath” and the creativity and uniqueness that the ability brought to the reader or listener. All together the plot was fast moving and addictive, the writing was really engaging and well composed, and the narration was enjoyable. I would definitely recommend!
August 21, 2020
Wow! There was a lot going on in this book. You are in a totally different society from what we live in and it is a little scary. They choose your job, your spouse and who lives and dies. Any differing opinion will get you exiled or executed. The main character is having a hard time deciding who’s side she is on and it makes for an interesting story. The author did a good job with the story, I would be interested in reading more. The narrator did a good job with the emotions and nuances of they story. All in all it was a very interesting and entertaining listen.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
June 20, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and was hooked into it from the first page. The story itself was written exceptionally well with compelling characters, a rich and intriguing plot, as well as a multitude of twists and turns, leading the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was thoroughly impressed with this, and I honestly cannot wait to continue the story to see what happens next!
I really enjoyed reading this book, and was hooked into it from the first page. The story itself was written exceptionally well with compelling characters, a rich and intriguing plot, as well as a multitude of twists and turns, leading the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was thoroughly impressed with this, and I honestly cannot wait to continue the story to see what happens next!
August 28, 2020
I picked up this book because I loved the idea of an empath in a dystopian world. I was hooked from the first page, and adored Claren and her brother, adored the world Colbert has created and the way it works. I also picked up the second in the series because once I finished the first there was no way I could wait to find out what happens next! The story was beautifully told, engaging, had me flicking through the pages and I read it in one sitting. Overall, super excited about book 2 and will be following this series, and this author closely! Highly recommended!
September 22, 2021
Finally..something a bit different
I love the plot
I love the characters
I've been searching for a dystopian book for a min now. But something a bit diff than the norm.
This book has some of the same ingredients as other dystopian books but with more. So I'm hooked
I hope the second one is just as good
I love the plot
I love the characters
I've been searching for a dystopian book for a min now. But something a bit diff than the norm.
This book has some of the same ingredients as other dystopian books but with more. So I'm hooked
I hope the second one is just as good
February 4, 2021
This was my favorite YA dystopian in many years. I don't know how it's not better known yet. Reviewed it on my blog in it's own post. It had everything I like about dystopian fiction yet things I did not see coming.
January 14, 2021
Very entertaining and well written this was a great story that was told by the narrator very welll
November 2, 2021
Review to come
December 15, 2024
I didn’t love it, but I’m curious enough to keep reading…
September 19, 2021
Hmmmm…. 2.5 stars. Claren is kind of an idiot. I don’t know if a better way to describe her. There’s so much back and forth in her mind and I’m confused as to how she’s allowed to stay in training up to a point when it’s clear she’s not really committed (or at least not coming across that way time and time again). She’s seemingly out of control of her emotions all the time and I’m curious how no one seems to call that out, like ever. And she’s going to try to give the director files to pass along that will get Frank a reduced sentence??? I’m sorry, what?! Like on what planet would that be a good idea. Almost want to knock a star off just for that. It’s so dumb for her to even think that considering she already knows the director is like a snake! Not to mention she takes a pill from her without asking any questions.
Also, I wish the story had progressed a little slower somehow. Like all the sudden things are happening and I almost wanted to see more of the relationship and world building. Cato is played up to be the super important player in everything but it felt like he was new to it so I didn’t buy it. I genuinely hope Claren is smarter in the next book or I might not make it past that.
Also, I wish the story had progressed a little slower somehow. Like all the sudden things are happening and I almost wanted to see more of the relationship and world building. Cato is played up to be the super important player in everything but it felt like he was new to it so I didn’t buy it. I genuinely hope Claren is smarter in the next book or I might not make it past that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
A well-written young adult novel with a story that will be enjoyed by teens (or adults) who love dystopian fiction. I think it's really important to teach our kids what the future might hold if we give up our liberty and this author does a great job in the first book of the series. I highly recommend it.
August 30, 2020
Dystopian stories are a favorite of mine, so when I saw this offered at AudiobookBoom, I requested it and was granted the audiobook free in exchange for an honest review. I do always feel a bit guilty not giving a stellar rating, but this was just okay for me.
I hadn't heard this narrator (Jennifer Groberg) before, and she was pretty good, but not a favorite. I think I might have liked this a little better had a read it instead of listened, but I'm not sure. (Granted, I have much more listening time than 'reading' time so sometimes I am more critical of my 'reads' than my listens).
The first person here felt a little unnatural. It was past tense, but had a present tense feel. It didn't feel like Claren was telling a story after it happened, but while it was happening. While I can't pin-point any problems with the text (which IS harder to do with audio than with a print/kindle copy where I can more easily stop and take notes and highlight examples ... this is available on KindleUnlimited, but I don't currently have a subscription. I only had audio). I peeked at the sample, and just a phrase like "It was as though their pain and anger brought physical sickness upon my body" ... it just doesn't feel like how someone would be thinking (even in a different world than present), not natural or flowing. I always was very aware of the writing, rather than relaxing and getting lost in the story.
I never quite connected with the characters, and I'm afraid the story will fade in with all the other dystopian tales I've read, there was nothing to really stand out and make it memorable to me. I recall being a little annoyed at all the "empath" powers going on, and that Claren is automatically so good at it (better than the woman in charge who has been working with her powers for much longer).
I don't plan on continuing with the series myself, although I did peek at the next couple books and read the blurbs. I do really like the consistency of the covers and titles though.
I hadn't heard this narrator (Jennifer Groberg) before, and she was pretty good, but not a favorite. I think I might have liked this a little better had a read it instead of listened, but I'm not sure. (Granted, I have much more listening time than 'reading' time so sometimes I am more critical of my 'reads' than my listens).
The first person here felt a little unnatural. It was past tense, but had a present tense feel. It didn't feel like Claren was telling a story after it happened, but while it was happening. While I can't pin-point any problems with the text (which IS harder to do with audio than with a print/kindle copy where I can more easily stop and take notes and highlight examples ... this is available on KindleUnlimited, but I don't currently have a subscription. I only had audio). I peeked at the sample, and just a phrase like "It was as though their pain and anger brought physical sickness upon my body" ... it just doesn't feel like how someone would be thinking (even in a different world than present), not natural or flowing. I always was very aware of the writing, rather than relaxing and getting lost in the story.
I never quite connected with the characters, and I'm afraid the story will fade in with all the other dystopian tales I've read, there was nothing to really stand out and make it memorable to me. I recall being a little annoyed at all the "empath" powers going on, and that Claren is automatically so good at it (better than the woman in charge who has been working with her powers for much longer).
I don't plan on continuing with the series myself, although I did peek at the next couple books and read the blurbs. I do really like the consistency of the covers and titles though.
March 12, 2023
A dry and gently terrifying future.
Most stories set in the dystopian futures that are usually colorfully described with overtly hostile governments and nightmare scenarios designed to control society at every level. Usually, there is also a lot of violence and a part of the plot being the disintegration human values decency as we understand it. This novel approaches the future from a refreshingly new angle, where the future is deceptively gentle and apparently well controlled by an apparently benevolent ruling class. But the author manages to lower the lighting on the stage of the plot, insidiously and as the shadows darken, the reader, like the main protagonist is caught in a world as dangerous as many of the other futures described in this genre, but without the usual excessive violence that tends to sway the plot. This is a deceptively engaging vision of a future that I found fascinating and addictive to read.
Most stories set in the dystopian futures that are usually colorfully described with overtly hostile governments and nightmare scenarios designed to control society at every level. Usually, there is also a lot of violence and a part of the plot being the disintegration human values decency as we understand it. This novel approaches the future from a refreshingly new angle, where the future is deceptively gentle and apparently well controlled by an apparently benevolent ruling class. But the author manages to lower the lighting on the stage of the plot, insidiously and as the shadows darken, the reader, like the main protagonist is caught in a world as dangerous as many of the other futures described in this genre, but without the usual excessive violence that tends to sway the plot. This is a deceptively engaging vision of a future that I found fascinating and addictive to read.
October 19, 2020
A new America, built from the ashes of the current one, with "everything for our own good."
Clareen is worried about her brother getting into trouble, keeping them both safe, scoring high on the aptitude test, and securing a good job for both of them to be able to move to a better place. She doesn't even see the real issues all around her. When she starts to see the world as it truly is, she must ask herself. What will she do in a world full of inequalities among the working class. Inequalities due to a test given to everyone upon high school graduation, determine your entire life.... Its a good story, with good characters described and written well enough to escape into.
Clareen is worried about her brother getting into trouble, keeping them both safe, scoring high on the aptitude test, and securing a good job for both of them to be able to move to a better place. She doesn't even see the real issues all around her. When she starts to see the world as it truly is, she must ask herself. What will she do in a world full of inequalities among the working class. Inequalities due to a test given to everyone upon high school graduation, determine your entire life.... Its a good story, with good characters described and written well enough to escape into.
November 5, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It was a great kick-off to a new series. And I have a feeling this is going to be a great one! I always enjoy books that look at the What ifs in life. What if our country had gone in a more socialist direction. Sounds good on paper but never really works in practice. Funny, I ended up listening to this on election day... or week...this time. But anyway... The narrator was fantastic. She fit this book perfectly. I definitely can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
This audiobook was given to me at my request. I am providing an honest review. Thanx!
This audiobook was given to me at my request. I am providing an honest review. Thanx!
January 11, 2022
This novel kept me reading right through my work morning (oops) because I wanted to find out what happened to the characters.
The story was compelling, even if I felt that it was moving a little too fast for my taste: I think it could have benefitted from more world-building. I would have personally been very happy with another 100 pages of the book!
The reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the grammar. I had some issues with the verb tenses and it muddled me a bit.
But otherwise, I found it to be a good read. I'm off to buy the second book in the series now, as I can't wait to see where the story goes!
The story was compelling, even if I felt that it was moving a little too fast for my taste: I think it could have benefitted from more world-building. I would have personally been very happy with another 100 pages of the book!
The reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the grammar. I had some issues with the verb tenses and it muddled me a bit.
But otherwise, I found it to be a good read. I'm off to buy the second book in the series now, as I can't wait to see where the story goes!
August 4, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This book is like a cross between Hunger Games and Maze Runner. But the best of both those worlds. Claren is everything you would expect her to be. Torn between two worlds not knowing which is the right one. Her empathic ability gives her edge but it also gets the better of her. The ending leaves you in a place of wanting. Wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to finishing the series. If you liked hunger games and maze runner you will like this.
This book is like a cross between Hunger Games and Maze Runner. But the best of both those worlds. Claren is everything you would expect her to be. Torn between two worlds not knowing which is the right one. Her empathic ability gives her edge but it also gets the better of her. The ending leaves you in a place of wanting. Wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to finishing the series. If you liked hunger games and maze runner you will like this.
July 17, 2024
It’s amazing how much stupid stuff happens in this book. Finally a facist regime in a YA dystopia that is more simillar to the real life versions. The ruling class believes in a ‘leader gene’ which makes them mostly promote from their own ranks which in this book produces beautiful and incompetent people.
The cherry on top is that the main character is a cop chosen for her aptitude for mind magic. The fact that she gets her brother killed, blames her friends for her own fuckups, and only gets promoted upwards keeps the story fresh.
The cherry on top is that the main character is a cop chosen for her aptitude for mind magic. The fact that she gets her brother killed, blames her friends for her own fuckups, and only gets promoted upwards keeps the story fresh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
cool story
Very creative and different. At first it seemed a little slow, but it picked up soon enough.
The main character is thrust into difficult situations faster than she is prepared for and has to try to protect those she lives from the corrupt government that wants to control society while working for the government and pretending to side with them.
It’s a clean story suitable for anyone over 14. I think the violence might be a bit too much for a younger crowd.
Very creative and different. At first it seemed a little slow, but it picked up soon enough.
The main character is thrust into difficult situations faster than she is prepared for and has to try to protect those she lives from the corrupt government that wants to control society while working for the government and pretending to side with them.
It’s a clean story suitable for anyone over 14. I think the violence might be a bit too much for a younger crowd.
November 4, 2021
I'm not a big fan of dystopian novels, especially those in serial forms, but this is an unusual and beguiling beginning to what promises to be an enchanting series. There is tension a plenty in our protagonist and villains a plenty with whom to deal with--all within a strict classification system in a post-apocalyptic America. I would think the successors to this beginning will have a hard time meeting the challenge this book has presented.
July 11, 2021
This Lady Can Write
Yes she can. I was a bit on the fence when I picked this book to read. It just didn't seem like a storyline that could maintain my interest for a full book much less a series. Was I wrong? Absolutely I was. The storyline is consistent interesting. Good characters and writing style kept me hooked. I urge you to at east give this fine author a chance.
Yes she can. I was a bit on the fence when I picked this book to read. It just didn't seem like a storyline that could maintain my interest for a full book much less a series. Was I wrong? Absolutely I was. The storyline is consistent interesting. Good characters and writing style kept me hooked. I urge you to at east give this fine author a chance.
July 18, 2022
I'm not a huge fan of dystopian fiction, so I was totally surprised how much I enjoyed this book! Great characters, intriguing plot points with well-paced action and dialogue... and completely believable, considering how society is going these days. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Can't wait to continue the series!
November 19, 2022
Twist ending
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, from hope to hopelessness, love and comfort to lonliness, loyalty to betrayal. This story leads you in one direction, until it doesn't. The ending is unexpected and I have no idea where it is going. I must buy the next book because I have to know where this story leads!
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, from hope to hopelessness, love and comfort to lonliness, loyalty to betrayal. This story leads you in one direction, until it doesn't. The ending is unexpected and I have no idea where it is going. I must buy the next book because I have to know where this story leads!
April 14, 2024
PHENOMENAL & THRILLING DYSTOPIAN ADVENTURE!!!
AMAZING characters in this one that will grab your heart from the start!!! The writing is ON POINT!! The Dystopian setting and society is mysterious and frightening and the twists and turns are SUPER EXCITING and you won’t see them coming!!! LOVED IT!!!:-)
AMAZING characters in this one that will grab your heart from the start!!! The writing is ON POINT!! The Dystopian setting and society is mysterious and frightening and the twists and turns are SUPER EXCITING and you won’t see them coming!!! LOVED IT!!!:-)
January 9, 2022
Wow! This was definitely a good setup for a series. Couldn’t help but get upset at Claren towards the end of the book though, like constantly repeating the same situation expecting different results. I already have the second book, but I’ll wait since I’m always reading a series.
January 10, 2022
Love a good dystopian book! This story isn’t your typical one so get ready for a wild and unique ride. The characters are great and the descriptions even better. Looking forward to continuing reading this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews