"Harper Glenn tackles themes of class and poverty, policing and protest, with nuance and empathy. A chilling glimpse at our future, Monarch Rising asks what we owe to the places that raise us -- and insists that the answer must always be based in hope." -- Kass Morgan, New York Times bestselling author of The 100 Series
"Monarch Rising is both a heartbreaking reminder of our past and a chest-thumping rallying cry for the future, set in an impeccably built world populated by characters you'll ache for and root for and never want to let go." -- Shaun David Hutchinson, critically acclaimed author of We Are the Ants and Howl
"This gripping novel deftly weaves together love in the time of civil unrest.." --Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of The Princess and the Scoundrel.
“Set in a haunting, not-too-distant future America, Glenn’s debut follows Jo Monarch as she tries to survive—and succeed—in the treacherous sociopolitical waters... Glenn’s lush writing combines with an eerie atmosphere to tell the tale of Jo’s dilemma as she decides between leaving everyone she loves to pursue a better life or fighting to save those she cares about—all while trying to overcome Cove’s attempts to wreck everything she lives for. “ —Booklist.
"Gritty and poetic, this nod to Great Expectations is a powerful reminder of the razor-sharp line between hero and villain and our capacity for both." -- Kelly Coon, author of the Gravemaidens duology
“The story is rich in details, the performances are captivating, and fans will want a sequel for the star-crossed lovers.” — AudioFile Magazine
"Haunting and evocative, Monarch Rising is a gripping new vision of the future and a heart-racing, at times heartbreaking, story of the complicated choices we make for who or what we love." -- Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of What's Not To Love
"This story defied my predictions and surprised me with twists and turns up to the very last page." -- Kim Van Alkemade, New York Times bestselling author of Orphan #8
In a chilling near-future New United States of America, Jo Monarch has grown up in the impoverished borderlands of New Georgia. She’s given one chance to change her fate… if she can survive a boy trained to break hearts.
Today is the day Jo Monarch has been wishing on the moon about her entire life. It's the day of the Line Up, when she could be selected to leave her life in the Ashes behind. The day she could move across the mountains to a glittering, rich future.
Once Jo is plucked from the Line Up, the real test begins. She still needs to impress the New Georgia Reps at tonight's Gala, and her path forward leads straight to Cove Wells. The damaged stepson of one of the Reps, Cove has been groomed as an emotional weapon, taught that love is a tool -- and he's set on breaking Jo's heart next.
When a riot breaks out back in the Ashes the night of the Gala, Jo's dreams might all go up in smoke. Can she really have everything she's ever wished for… when it means leaving all her loved ones behind in the fire?
Harper Glenn's debut is as gripping as it is prescient, an unflinching meditation on whether love can save us from ourselves, and what it takes to be born anew.