Reviews with content warning for Violence - Malibu Renasce

The relationships between siblings were really well developed despite the time frame. They all felt like humans and so real. They all made mistakes and fucked up and it was so fascinating to read. I did get confused with the names many times but i got used it.

Content Warnings

symabee's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

TJR has a way of writing that pulls you in and makes you forget that you're reading. I immediately became invested in the lives of the Rivas. Part one of the book is non-linear, giving us the back story of the Riva family (you will recognize Mick Riva if you read Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones) while also setting the scene for the infamous party that is about to happen. Part two is the party, and the fallout. At its core this book is about messy family dynamics and overcoming the trauma handed down from previous generations.

Content Warnings

katievh's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

Content Warnings

eims's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This was an emotional read. I had to put it down from time to time because it was hard to read because of all the sadness of life. But ut was worth reading.

Content Warnings

ashleyvharris's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

brashcandicoot's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

sunny_not's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

As always Taylor Jenkins Reid's books are such fast, complex and interesting reads. This one was my favorite so far since I really enjoyed the different dynamics between family members and I really felt for June

her becoming addicted to alcohol and her death were just devastating after seeing how much she worked to give her kids a great life.

This book deals with how abandonment can ruin a whole family essentially and it's so sad and so real. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I'm excited about Cassie soto's story

I hated Brandon he was awful I hope she gets rid of him in her book

Content Warnings

kateyjay's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Stunning story spanning multiple generations of a family who have known love and loss.

Nina Riva deserves the world and you cannot tell me otherwise. Nina sacrifices everything for her family, losing herself in the process until her family also become her salvation.

Seemingly doomed to repeat the mistakes of her mother until she learns she can stand up for herself.

This book had me laughing and crying and having to look away feeling second hand embarrassment on multiple occasions. TJR has done it again

Content Warnings

More...