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Souter Delivers Another Page-turner!
Hope Rises the latest novel by author Ryan Souter is a fast-paced and exciting read. From the opening chapter, the reader is emerged in a futuristic, dystopian society that has been created in reaction to the ravages of Mother Nature in the form of tsunamis, wildfires, tornados and other natural disasters that have decimated much of the planet. Political systems have collapsed, civil wars have broken out, and hunger and misery are widespread. Into this atmosphere of turmoil and fear, a ruthless and opportunistic leader has seized control with the aid of his two sons (one who is really evil!) and the Elite Front, the brutal enforcers of the new Rule of Law. Into this cesspool of strife, the novel’s main character, Hope, is born.

She is an orphan of a callously murdered, young woman. A decent man happens to find the abandoned infant, who has been left to die. He and his wife decide to adopt the baby and to raise her as their own. As Hope matures, she totally buys into the oppressive message promoted by the government and its leader, and her dream is to become a member of the Elite Front. Hope has a significant deformity since birth which makes her acceptance into the force a huge challenge for her physically, as she must compete with able-bodied candidates for a coveted spot on this law enforcement team.
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Many attributes of former societies’ repressive measures familiar to the reader are mirrored in the book. A guarded, large fence (supposedly built to create law and order and to protect, “our way of life,” sounds a lot like the Berlin Wall or the proposed Mexican/United States wall). Public executions. Gun violence. An elite wealthy segment of the population (here the citizens living in Royalton) feeling entitled and superior to the poorer masses (those who live in Zone B). Brainwashing. Control. Terror. Greed. The list goes on and on. The fascinating part is how these repressive measures are justified and even glorified by many citizens throughout the book.

There are several interesting characters in the novel. The author keeps the suspense and tension growing as they interact, often with catastrophic results. The main villain, Paulix, otherwise known as the Supreme Valour, states, “You know what Adolph Hitler’s brilliance was…the power of words and persona.” He has learned this particular history lesson all too well. And so, has one of his sons. And what about Hope? Souter has portrayed a young person who, like many, initially see the world in rigid black or white terms. But life experience and maturity can be great teachers. The author keeps the reader racing through the book to see if Hope’s mentor Mason’s pronouncement that, “You tell people something enough times, and they’ll start to believe it, no matter what it is,” will be the novel’s resounding and final message. On this question, Souter cleverly toys with the reader to the end. Is this broken society simply too far gone ever to be redeemed? Or will, indeed, hope prevail?

Inspiring, enjoyable read about maintaining hope in a brutal world.
Winnipeg novelist Ryan Souter returns with another dramatic tale – this time of the gritty, persevering Hope Mulder and her driving desire to help her community of Prosperity Way. Set in a post-Apocalyptic type of future where rules are set and enforced by the Supreme Valor, Hope aims to be a force of good in the world by joining the Elite Front: a highly trained law-enforcement group that protects Prosperity Way from perceived threats. Souter does a fantastic job of setting the scene for this dystopian world and its rag-tag set of characters, who the reader comes to love, empathize with, or strongly dislike as they navigate their new, strange world. Like the classic novels, Anthem by Ayn Rand (published in 1938) or 1984 by George Orwell (published in 1949), reality is uncertain in this odd society, as information is so tightly controlled (or manipulated) by its leaders. Despite all obstacles, Hope tries to maintain her sense of self and composure throughout Souter’s novel, always letting her determination, inner drive and conscience guide her. Never letting any physical or emotional barriers get in her way, we come to love reading about the heart-wrenching and arduous journey of the powerful, deeply thoughtful Hope Mulder.

"Hope Rises is an intense thriller in which a headstrong woman discovers the truth about her seemingly idyllic home. 4 out of 5 stars!"

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"A bracingly tough female protagonist enhances a so-so SF tale."

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"Another welcomed novel by this rather fine writer. Hope Rises projects the reader into the not so distant future and a plausible yet uncomfortable social environment. Our heroine, Hope, is a strong determined young woman who does not allow her physical deformity to limit her choices. In this book, that means her dream of becoming one of the Elite Front. Souter takes us to a pivotal time in Hope's journey in which split second decisions bring life altering reactions and the distinct possibility of death, not only for her, but for her family and friends. The reader gladly tags along, enjoying the well-detailed descriptions of training sessions, combat, weapons use. These scenes add to the forward motion of the plot and character growth. Souter knows how to tell a story! There are no difficult lulls to get through in the middle, and there are plenty of twists and turns until a satisfying ending is reached. Worth reading for sure. 4 stars."

"I enjoyed this book. Appreciated the significance of the title. Well done!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hope Rises. I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters...their histories...their motivations and their emotions. I found myself able to picture the story vividly in my mind as I read. An enjoyable read and hope there is a sequel in the works! Would definitely recommend!"

"I really enjoyed reading this book. A super unique and eerie world that was fun to read about.  If you like a book that keeps you guessing and continually dying to know what happens next, then Hope Rises is for you!"

"Ryan Souter has created a unique dystopian world that feels both fantastical, and grounded in reality at the same time. The characters who populate the page are well thought out with their own motivations and the protagonist, Hope Mulder is a driving force throughout the story. I highly recommend this as your next read."

"I was unable to put this book down! When I wasn’t reading, the characters had a way of staying with me. Souter really makes you feel for the characters in this book.  I love a book that tugs at your emotions, makes you feel angry and makes you cheer all in one great read.  I highly recommend Hope Rises!"

"Hope Rises features an efficient narrative that grabs the reader's attention and pulls them in. The pacing of the story reminds me much of Dan Brown novels like The Da Vinci Code. Once the setting & circumstances are established, it's go, go, go. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel."

"Ryan Souter's ability to draw readers creatively and intelligently into the journeys of his characters never fails to disappoint, and Hope Rises is certainly no exception. I was captured by the dark setting for which Hope ultimately travails, and with the challenges she faces, Souter does a remarkable job showcasing them as a tacit strength in her character that empowers her, and all those around her. A definite page-turner worthy of a sequel."

"I picked this book up on vacation and could not put it down. While relaxing in this world I was transported to a futuristic dystopian world. The story and the character's draw you into their world making you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I can't wait for a sequel."

"A very courageous, emotional and vivid tale with a strong female protagonist. You see Hope's strength rise through her challenges, along with learn important details from her past– specifically details that shape who she is as a character."