When one of my authors suggested that I read Eric’s book (and talked about it as much as her own manuscript while he was working on it) I was looking forward to adding it to the reading pile and reading it cover to cover. I ended up purchasing it on Barnes & Noble so I could have it on my Nook. I was expecting a twist on Angels that I enjoyed as much as M.C.A. Hogarth’s A Rosary of Stones and Thorns, but I was not expecting quite the roller coaster as what he wrote. Bravo Eric. It kept me up til 3 AM reading, because otherwise I would have just laid there wondering what happens next.

There are some mythological/folklore beings in this book too. I was very happy to see both sides of the elven coin represented. These elves aren’t the “modern” version, but much much more true to the original ones before they were glamorized. These elves you can fear, respect, and call friend. These elves were also once stewards of the earth, so there is a lot of room for pondering.

The story takes us to meet Justin, who is a fallen angel, but he’s got a secret, even from himself. That alone I found interesting. Then we get to find out WHY and who he REALLY IS. Fans of unique takes on Death will like this one. In this, Lucifer’s already been dealt with. This doesn’t mean that all’s going to be smooth though. God’s missing, and there’s someone that wants to set up angels as gods–and it’s sure not Justin.

Can Justin bring on the Apocalypse and save the world (something that most would see as rather counterproductive)? I hope Eric finished up the sequel, and quickly, in what is to be a trilogy (going by what I hear).

Apocalypse Rising was an enjoyable urban fantasy story I easily burned through in just a few days of part-time reading. Very well written, excellent descriptions of the setting/scene, very realistic dialogue, and easy to follow plot. Swett has created deep and well drawn bad guys; the protagonist is done very well also, especially with the added challenge of being inside his head. Secondary characters as well – they’re not cardboard cutouts.

It did cross genres in a way I didn’t expect (urban fantasy into fantasy a bit), and I’m certainly not used to the present tense writing style Swett uses for the protagonist scenes, but it didn’t detract from what was a very good story line. Solid four stars, recommended.

Eric Swett has burst out of the gates with an outstanding novel about the coming apocalypse. It is a completely fresh and original persepective for contemporary society. The book was hard to put down because it flowed so well you were completely caught up in the journey. Only downside is having to wait for the next installment. Eric please hurry so we know what happens to Justin and Lilly.

Terrific urban fantasy that explores the seedy underworld of good and evil beneath the thin veneer of business, addiction and urban life. Once you get past some of the clunky writing (the book could use a 50% reduction in commas!), the story is fast-paced and quite engaging, with deeply fleshed-out characters, a “realistic” magic system and an underlying mythological/theological base supporting it all. It’s a surprisingly short book, but a good, quick read.

This book was a thrill ride! Every chapter seems to build well on the previous one, there are some good twists and turns and obstacles to overcome. Some great surprises too. All in all I would say it was a fun-filled read and left me really wanting to continue with the story. I can’t wait until the next installment comes out!

Having just finished an author provided ebook copy I have decided to buy my own physical copy of Apocalypse Rising. Here is why:
In Apocalypse Rising the story begins as Justin, already on the run, is trying to protect a young woman’s life. They had fallen in with quite the wrong crowd who now want them dead. However, Justin is on the side of the angels, or he would be if the angels didn’t have some troublesome agenda of their own.

Apocalypse Rising is just the beginning. The beginning of The End perhaps, but Swett does something not seen in many “apocalypse” stories. He takes the original meaning of the word seriously.
While today the word “apocalypse” has come to mean the end of the world, its original meaning was “revelation.” and that is at the heart of Apocalypse Rising.
Through various viewpoints were are shown the world, bit by bit, being exposed for what what truly lies beneath its surfaces.
That theses revelation are set against the a backdrop of cosmic forces moving to bring about The Apocalypse only brings a poignant urgency to the events.
Swett weaves together various strands to reveal a world were magic is subtle but pervasive. Elves and Angels move among humanity hidden from view while a media tycoon commands the airwaves and demonic servants.

More than that Swett also reveals the very human side of his characters. We feel for Justin as he struggles with not just doing the right thing but sometimes needing to figure out what that means at all.
We feel for those around him as they struggle to understand the changes being wrought upon their world.
Mostly we feel that the next installment of the series can’t get here fast enough.

I am an avid fantasy book reader and can honestly say that Eric Swett’s Apocalypse Rising is one of the all-time best novels I have ever read. His storyline held my attention in a fascinating way, so that I never wanted to put it down, wanted to see what was coming up next. The title fits very well to the saga he imparts between the books’ pages. The tale and the characters show Swett’s amazing imagination and his expertise in putting it all on paper in a book format to share with the rest of us. I strongly encourage any serious fantasy reader to purchase this well-written book. I absolutely guarantee that you are in for a thrill of your life. I look forward to future novels written by Mr. Swett, and consider myself at the top of the list as one of his fans.

Super book that keeps you pushing forward never knowing where it you will go!! Loved it & plan on reading more by this great author!!

Filled with danger and suspense, this wonderful story by new author ERIC SWETT is a definite must-have for anyone who enjoys on-the-edge-of-your-seat non-stop reading adventure.

APOCALYPSE RISING will grab you by the hand and drag you into a world of lies, corruption, danger and suspense. It is a thrill ride from the first word to the last, and it will make you very, very glad that any enemies YOU might have are mortal!

Marantha D. Jenelle
Author of the soon to be released
THE IHMAYRAN CHRONICLES TRILOGY/BOOK ONE: CHILD OF SUN AND MOON

UPDATE: AUGUST 23, 2012

I just read this wonderful story for the second time, and folks, all I have to say is this…You have got to get this book! It was even better the second time around. I am looking forward to seeing what this promising new author will share with us next!

Marantha D. Jenelle
Artist, Poet, Writer, Calligrapher, Dreamer

I’ve always been a fan of biblical based stories because, in their own way, they make you think about what’s accepted and what’s not. I’m an inquisitive type and I want to know everything, with only a few exceptions. Anyway, The idea of the story fascinated me for the simple reason it’s centered around a fallen Angel.

Two thousand years earlier, Justin chose to walk among humanity feeling he could do more good with us instead of from Heaven. After witnessing a brutal murder, he takes his friend Lily and tries to get away before their found by the person responsible. During their escape, Justin begins to discover he’s more than he remembered. After meeting a race of people long forgotten, his memory is restored and he finds himself the focus of attention he never imagined before then.

A very good story of rediscovery and friendship, I found Apocalypse Rising to be a fun read with its energy, good pace, and writing style. I’m a fan of pushing the envelope and the author delivered by offering an interesting and exciting view of our world. I think it’s safe to say that if you’re a fan of fantasy and urban stories, this is something for you. I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.