Reviews

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

chthonicgod's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kiki6k's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

This heartwarming read delivers satisfying closure, tying up loose ends and offering a happily ever after. While I might have rooted for a different romantic outcome, the resolution provides a fulfilling conclusion.

k_lenn's review against another edition

4.0

There was a disturbing lack of Simon at the end, but at least we got the cameo I was waiting for!

This was probably my favourite book out of the three. I wasn't really feeling the conclusion or the romance choice at first, but it grew on me pretty quickly. That last chapter made me smile and I'm happy they're all safe! (The cultural appropriation unfortunately doesn't let up in this one, but that was to be expected.)

Now onto Atoning, which I've wanted to read for years for Derek and Chloe, but couldn't without spoiling this series. :)

amybraunauthor's review against another edition

4.0

This was a great conclusion to this endearing series that was more conspiracy and chasing than actual stakes. That said, it was still a lot of fun to read and learn more about what was going on behind in the scenes in an effort to take down the Cabals looking to keep them prisoner. This brought out a plethora of danger, surprise, and emotion. The characters continued to be strong and smart, acting like real people facing a real problem and not creating unnecessary drama. Unless they were named Sam. As far as the romance goes, maybe it's just me, but I felt it was a little out of the blue. I'm not saying I didn't buy it or even think it was sweet and mature, but maybe I missed the clues. It still turned out to be super sweet. That was a good counter to the ways things turned out as a whole in the epilogue. Now that it's concluded, there are things that happened in the previous book that make a little more sense, not just regarding the romance but also regarding Serena's death as well. I went into this series blind and was pleasantly surprised by almost everything I read. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy, fun read this summer!

vampoma's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

beccadavies's review against another edition

4.0

Maya now knows the truth about herself- she is a skin-walker, an ancient and extinct supernatural who can transform into a cougar. Extinct until now. Through the St. Cloud's DNA manipulation in a project they aptly call Project Phoenix, extinct races are being re-introduced into the world.

Not happy that they were the Cabal's science experiment, Maya and co. are out to find the subjects of a similar experiment in order to ban forces and go against the St. Cloud Cabal by joining up with a rival Cabal- the Nasts.

Through a lot of running, a lot of stalking and of course, being Kelley Armstrong, a whole lot of adventure, they meet up with Derek, Chloe and Simon and try to convince them to surrender to the Nasts.

I found the book went full circle- the group basically ended up where they started out. As much as I'm not happy with the ending, I understand why Armstrong wrote it that way.

Now personally, I kept flipping to near the end when Maya meets up with Chole and Derek just to remind myself that Chloe and Derek are actually coming back. If I didn't have that reassurance, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I had. I tried- I really did but Maya just doesn't do it for me and the "love triangle" was something so silly and I felt no real chemistry between her and anybody.

I'm too big a Chloe and Derek fan. I'll admit it and so I'm pretty bias in this review. Maya and her buddies never really had a chance. Sorry fictional character Maya Delaney, but you paled in comparison to the blond necromancer.

owlswithfins's review against another edition

5.0

The Rising is a thrilling conclusion to the Darkness Rising series and also concludes the Darkest Powers series by intertwining the stories. I love the suspense and the intriguing characters. It was interesting to see Chloe Saunders from a different perspective, after reading three novels with her as the protagonist. This series is one of my favorites by far, and the final book did not disappoint in any way. Loved it!

thebasicbookworm's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

patchworkbunny's review against another edition

3.0

Review to follow.

saralaanne's review against another edition

4.0

Disappointing. So much build up for almost nothing. Could have been so much better, but not absolutely horribly