Review of Rising Up by Tanya Ross

Book Blurb

A SCI-FI DYSTOPIAN TALE FULL OF MYSTERY AND ROMANCE

2021 WINNER OF THE INDIE AUTHOR PROJECT IN YA FOR THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA!

“Ross’ addition to the dystopian genre leaves teen readers with an understanding that their emotions hold great power, adult readers with an appreciation of metaphor and imagery, and all readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.” Deanna Bennett, Librarian, Vista Unified School District

A city under glass. A girl under pressure. When secrets come out, which one will break first?

Sixteen-year-old empath Ember Vinata is devastated by her mother’s mysterious death. But in a disease-free domed metropolis where happiness is electronically monitored and enforced, expressing her grief means exile to The Outside.

The only person who can help her is a smoking-hot government agent.

When strange prophetic dreams compel her to investigate, and she discovers the source of the fatal illness, Ember is stunned to discover the perfect city in which she lives is nothing like it seems. And when her new boyfriend appears to be torn between seeking justice and remaining loyal to his oaths, she fears there is no one she can trust…

…Or would her world be rocked by a criminal from The Outside?

Ember’s quest for the truth could set her free – or make her a captive pawn.

Rising Up is the thrilling first book in The Tranquility YA dystopian sci-fi series. If you like determined heroines, the power of emotions, and fighting injustice, then you’ll love Tanya Ross’s raw crusade.

Best Book Editors Review

Brilliant. When happiness isn’t a choice.

This is one of my favourite books of this year. I really enjoyed it.

The premise of the book is stunningly simple but sheer genius. What happens when your state of happiness is your currency?

Everything in tranquillity is measured and graded by colours. You begin as a young child on white. The clothes you wear are white, and everything about your place in society is governed by white. It’s up to you to elevate your position in society by being happy. Being kind makes you happy. Buying nice things makes you happy, but you can only buy the quality of goods that your colour status and level number dictates.

What could possibly go wrong?

An Alt meter measures your every movement, thought and bodily response. Tranquillity is a wonderful place to be—until it makes you sad.

The book is charming. The characterisation and interaction are spot on, and I like all of the central players.

The second book in the series is also out and is called Facing off. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book: recommended.