Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Malibu Rising

Another enjoyable TJR book. My least favorite of the three I've read so far, but that doesn't mean I didn't like it just as much. TJR's writing is so captivating, and despite not actually caring about certain parts, I found myself still totally invested.

The four siblings were well-developed and felt incredibly realistic, although I would've liked to have seen more of Kit and gotten to know her a little more. I remember at one point thinking it had been a while since we heard from her. Nina was an incredible character and might be my favorite of TJR's.

Going into Malibu Rising, I had already read Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones. If I hadn't, I don't know if I would've cared as much about the Mick and June flashbacks.

I really didn't like the Carrie Soto character. I'm surprised she's the focus of TJR's next release, but I'll be picking it up regardless.

**Proceed with caution**
The first half of the book was stronger, in my opinion. One of the main selling points of the book is the fire, which was a bit anticlimactic. I wish that it wasn't the main focus of the advertising. I liked the symbolism of rebirth, but I was just expecting...more fire lol.

I really liked the siblings confronting Mick and how he didn't have redemption. Had any of them taken him back, the book honestly would've been ruined for me. Mick is an absolute piece of shit.

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ashleyvharris's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Malibu Rising is an unexpected and heartfelt novel that confronts generational trauma, the heavy expectations of others, and our desire to love and be loved.

I owe Taylor Jenkins Reid a drink or several. I had no idea how meaningful and healing this story would be for me. Reading a story about siblings abandoned by their father was definitely triggering, but Reid handled the trauma and grief of that situation with such care and honesty.

The characters of this novel were so distinct and unique. They’re strengths and flaws, desires and fears. It all felt so natural and right. I loved that Mick was very clearly a deeply flawed and narcissistic human, but he still managed to have layers. I was worried that there would be a cheesy redemption arc for his character where he found some grudging reconciliation with his kids, but the ending was just perfect. Mick Riva setting one last fire felt so full circle.

I wish that we had gotten a bit more development with Kit’s character. The other siblings felt fairly well-defined, but Kit felt like a bit of a mystery. She feels like a character with so much potential, a force of nature. I would love to see a novel with her at the center.

The shifting focus to the novel’s background characters like Tarine, Tuesday, Ricky, etc. felt unnecessary at times. I was tempted to skip past those parts of the story to get back to the Riva siblings. These diversions were more distracting for me than anything.

Overall, this book was like a time-machine to the 80s. With its picturesque Oceanside setting and dynamic sibling characters, Malibu Rising bottles that August, end-of-summer feeling perfectly. Also, I’m totally buying a surfboard tomorrow.

Content Warnings

putsy's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad 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

5.0

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