** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **

This fantastical story is fun, full of adventure and interesting characters. The interaction between the species introduced in the book and the gorgeous, fascinating world they reside in was very well written. I would definitely recommend this book to pre-teens and up, especially if they love fantasy, nature or animals. The amazing pictures showcasing the world and its residents are just the icing on the cake! Can't wait to see where this story goes next! ( )

Welcome to a world called Cerulean, a world unlike any other. The different groups who inhabit Cerulean all live in The Loft, the upper reaches of the great trees. We first meet Barra, a Listlespur, and her two friends Tory and Plicks. From the first page I was caught up in the high jinks of these three teen-aged Arboreals. Barra is somewhat fearless and loves to go off exploring. In this manner she is like her deceased father. When Barra finds her father’s old journals, she is amazed to learn that his experiments and exploring have taken him far beyond the forbidden Middens; she is also amazed to read that he was on the trail of what caused the Creepervine that has taken over every living space and is slowly blocking out the natural light in the Loft. But before her father could finish his scientific investigations he met an untimely death. Now The Loft is growing increasingly darker and vegetation is no longer lush and plentiful. A life without light is now the destiny of the Arboreals. Assisted by Plicks and Tory, Barra heads off to search for the cause of the Creepervine. What follows is an adventure into the unknown that ends in a life and death confrontation with the evil that lurks just beneath the surface.

I loved this book in so many different ways that it’s impossible to count them all. The story is vibrant and refreshing with characters that are endearing when they should be and deliciously evil when warranted. Who doesn’t love a good villain? Along the way are plenty of characters that are easily identifiable yet unique. The story is easy to follow but because it is set in a fantasy world the author and publisher have provided the reader with beautifully illustrated layouts, many of them double page spread. These help the reader become immersed in the story in a special way. The plot is suitable for middle school readers who are looking for an escape and a super-hero in the same story. No off-color language although emphasis for emotion is portrayed through the characters’ tone of voice. Younger children may find two or three of the character’s scary but not terribly so. I was impressed with the design of the book as well. I like that each of the printed sections of the book were first bound by thread before being pressed together. Altogether, a quality book for the price. And I thought the twist at the end was terrific.

The author has a website where readers can become immersed in the Sunborn world with background, interactive games, and more; a great way to keep the story alive while we await the next book. I can easily see this series becoming an Avatar-like movie in the future. ( )

The world of Cerulean seems ideal, a world of forests floating on an ocean around a star; a variety tree top creatures,called Arboreals live among the woven together tree tops. However, their light has been slowly diminishing and the threat of the Creepervine from below has been slowly making its way to the treetops. Barra Swiftspur, a young Listlespur has found her father's diary that documents the Creepervine. After her father's death from the Creepervine Barra and her friends Plicks and Tory want to save their world from the Creepervine, but it will be dangerous and they will have to travel to what seems like a whole other beneath the treetops, beneath the Fall.

Sunborn Rising is an absolutely grand adventure in a wonderful world. Meant for middle-grade audiences, I was still absolutely fascinated by the world of Cerulean, the characters and their quest. The world building was magnificent. At first I thought I would have some trouble picturing this world of trees on an ocean, but I loved all of the descriptions of the woven together tree tops, the dwellings that were created, the unique animals that were often combinations of two animals that we know (my favorite is definitely the Kolalabat) and each of the environments. The vibrant, detailed pictures helped with this and added an extra element to the world of Cerulean. Barra, Tory and Plicks were awesome characters. They each have different personalities, strengths and weaknesses but manage to work together and use their strengths to navigate beneath the fall. Overall, this is an exciting middle-grade adventure that has enough excitement for everyone.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

I was first drawn to this book by the book cover. It was striking and it drew me in. Then when I read the summary, I was even more intrigued to check this book out. Also, I thought my nephews would like it too, so I wanted to check it out for them. Well after reading this book, I am keeping my copy and purchasing them their own copy.

The world that the author has built is magical and awe-inspiring. I was fine with just reading the book but Mr. Safronoff has to take me on a journey deep in the Fall with the larger than life, fabulous illustrations to help bring this book to life even more. Barra is a great main character. She along with her friends, Plicks and Tory sure kept things exciting. Of course all of the other characters that they met along the way also kept the story entertaining. I can't wait to read book two. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today. You won't regret it. ( )

Sunborn Rising
Beneath the Fall
By Aaron Safronoff

Barra wants to know the father she never had a chance of knowing. But learning who he was may set her on the very path he was on when he was lost to them forever.

Something is wrong with the Great Forest, a darkness has been slowly working its way up through the treescape. The dangerous Creepervine that they had left behind in the Roots has spread. When Barra finds the journals that her father left behind that chronicled his discoveries she's determined to continue his search.

Her father's evidence was ignored by the Elders, evidence that he lost his life for and she's got a plan, with the help of her friends Tory and Plicks, Barra is determined to complete what her father started. She just didn't realize just how far it would take her and what it would cost her.

Be prepared to enter a world unlike any you have ever experienced. Dangers can lurk around any tree. And betrayal could come from anyone. An ancient truth has been hidden and forgotten, but sometimes one has to go to the beginning to ensure there is a future. And every choice has a price that must be paid it just a question of who and when.

This is a work of fantasy that though directed towards the YA reader will delight any fan of fantasy 12 and up in my opinion. Something about this book made me think of Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Spiderwick Chronicles, I believe it is the mystery of what lies beyond that gives this feel. The unknown has driven those who live in the loft to this upper level, but learning the truths of the unknown may be their only hope of surviving.

This is a highly recommended book that I would have no problem offering to both friends and family. I also feel that this book will appeal to both boys and girls and be a perfect family read-together selection. That the author already has a second book in the works is something for which all Sunborn Rising readers can anticipate.

Throughout this book there is artwork to help the reader imagine the world one now finds oneself drawn into. There are simple black and white line drawings and even more impressive full color illustrations.

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. ( )