<i>The Uprisers</i>  <i>Book 2</i>
  • © 2024 J.C. Gemmell 0

The Uprisers Book 2

Reviewed by Joshua Olokodana for Readers’ Favorite

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The Uprisers is J.C. Gemmell’s second book in the Tion series. When the oceans rose at an unprecedented rate, humankind faced an existential threat. So they solidified the oceans and kept them in space. The forfeður (forefathers) then engineered an existence in the space above the Earth and named it Tion, although the Earth still held its foundations. There was stability for a millennium. But in a world where rain was scheduled, and children were nurtured from conception to puberty in a 'gestorium,' humans had ceased to evolve better methods—even as the Tionsphere approached capacity. However, both Pazel, the leader of the human population, and Nikora, a powerful konservator, are about to execute their own plans to keep the population evolving. Pazel’s plan is dangerous, but Nikora’s plan will cost billions of lives. Nevertheless, with Pazel’s loss of Moshe, the idealistic part of his being, no one is strong enough to stop her. Perhaps Pazel is the one that needs to be stopped?

J.C. Gemmell’s The Uprisers is a complicated utopian-dystopian sci-fi drama that hits your senses with its extreme inventiveness. It puts a whole new spin on everyday stuff and makes you strive to comprehend the sheer complicatedness of the plot. In The Uprisers, the line between reality and illusion is blurred, and there are no heroes or villains—just people doing what they think is best. You have to commend the amount of effort that must have gone into the daunting task of writing this book. The level of ideation in the story is top-notch—especially the naming system. It is a frightening example of what would happen when you take emotions out of the process of naming a person. Although the narration got off to a slow start, I began to enjoy it once I read the glossary. Most sci-fi works involve warfare, but The Uprisers focuses on the day-to-day interactions and really takes you through the experience of living in the future. It’s a good fit for readers who prefer intellectually stimulating tales and sci-fi drama.
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Reviewed by Melanie Bokstad Horev on Amazon

An ice-cold (future) truth, chilling read. Highly recommended!

The Uprisers is a fantastic dystopian science fiction novel by J.C. Gemmell that is both well-crafted and highly enjoyable. The novel takes place on Tion, a world where the elimination of excess water, as ejected ice, is stored in the orbit of Tion. However, when scattered communities begin to appear on the planet's surface, a crisis emerges that threatens the very existence of Tion.

At the center of the story is Mike, a licensed tourist guide who is permitted to travel through Tion's spheres despite new restrictions on the movement of people and data. Mike is a fascinating character whose complicated past and relationships drive the story forward. As he descends into the Depths and beyond, he discovers the true extent of what Tion is facing.

Gemmell's world-building in The Uprisers is impressive, and Tion feels both believable and well-realized. The characters are complex and engaging, and the relationships between them are compelling and nuanced.

In terms of craft, Gemmell's writing is clear and concise, and the pacing of the novel is well-balanced. The action and adventure are exciting and keep the reader engaged throughout. The Uprisers is a great example of how science fiction can be used to explore complex current issues in an entertaining and engaging way.

In summary, The Uprisers is a highly recommended read for fans of science fiction and dystopian fiction. It is engaging, and thought-provoking, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. J.C. Gemmell has crafted a world that is both fascinating and terrifying dealing with current and well as future issues.
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Reviewed by Dawn on Goodreads

I really enjoyed "Tionsphere" but what a follow-up "The Uprisers" is! I was instantly drawn back into the world, mostly thanks to J.C. Gemmell's writing and his incredible imagination. The new characters are just as solid as the ones we met in the first book, the setting just as mind-blowing, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

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The Uprisers is a work of fiction in the science fiction, action, and adventure subgenres and serves as the second installment in the Tion series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author J.C. Gemmell. Set in a future where the water of Earth has been drained to make room for the population, the excess water is safely frozen in orbit around Tion. But when pilot Mike realizes that people are now living on Tion’s surface, he seeks out an old contact to explore these communities. Disaster looms for Tion and Earth, however, as the ice in orbit begins dropping to the surface and bombarding the settlements of Tion.

This book plays with an absolutely fascinating idea regarding the draining of Earth’s oceans and the society that has developed on the planet those waters now orbit. Author J. C. Gemmell has managed to create a rich tapestry of social themes within the dynamic and highly original universe he has crafted and continues to explore. Mike is an excellent protagonist whose viewpoint provides the audience with a compelling insight into the world in which the story takes place, though the narrative constantly pushes and challenges Mike to grow and evolve over time. Overall, The Uprisers is that rare beast in the speculative fiction genre that manages to place itself in a dauntingly vast universe but still tells an intimate tale that explores large themes but still never loses track of the human element. This novel is an excellent example of its genre and I heartily recommend it to all readers.
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Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite

The Uprisers: A Dystopian Sci-Fi is the second book in the Tion series by J.C. Gemmell. Mike’s job was about to get a lot more difficult. There were new restrictions in place, but since he had a license, he continued to move his clients through the spheres of Tion. While his work might not be illegal, his past was. Mike kept this and his connection to madman Pazel a secret. If anyone knew, Mike would lose his business. However, it was his job that allowed Mike to discover something peculiar. Many communities had risen to the exposed parts of Tion and had settled there. Concerning and dangerous. Mike knew this was the time when he would have to confront Pazel, but he had no idea how bad things were. If he wasn’t quick enough, billions of people would die without even realizing something was wrong. Could Mike build up the courage to face Pazel, protect the people, and come out of the chaos alive?

I loved how the author combined different cultures and nations into one. The multiple points of view from diverse characters made the narrative more complex and interesting at the same time. Not only did it allow the author to create a global culture, but it also made it possible for readers to get a variety of perspectives about the situation before they discover Mike’s point of view. Mike was the kind of character who grabs attention instantly. The concept of freezing Earth’s water and having it orbit Tion was fascinating, to say the least. I enjoyed how J.C. Gemmell was able to sell it without sounding far-fetched, and he made it credible. I liked Mike’s reactions. They felt genuine. The narrative was entertaining, the pace of the story was perfect, and it developed at a comfortable pace. The Uprisers was a fun novel that kept me entertained for hours.
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