Review by wonderedpages - Malibu Rising

wonderedpages 's review for:

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

3.0

emotional hopeful 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

Taylor Jenkins Reid always knows how to capture the glitz, grit, and heartbreak of old Hollywood, and Malibu Rising is no exception. This time, the spotlight is on the Riva family who are the children of the infamous Mick Riva, who feels loosely modeled on Frank Sinatra.

The first half of the book was exactly what I was hoping for. The story was a slow-burn family saga that follows Mick’s rise to fame, his abandonment of June, and the siblings who are left to pick up the pieces. June’s tragic spiral and Nina stepping into the caretaker role at just 17 had me hooked.

But the second half? The story for me fizzled a bit. It felt like a tidal wave of chaos. The annual Riva party was supposed to be the centerpiece, and while I get that Reid wanted readers to feel swept into the madness of the night, it quickly turned into a blur. In the span of twelve hours we get surprise half-siblings, pregnancy reveals, breakups, reconciliations, fights, a mansion fire, celebrity cameos, people getting arrested, and character arcs wrapped up with a bow. That’s a lot to pack in, and I found myself losing track of side characters and wishing the pacing had slowed down.

That said, the themes of family loyalty, survival, and finding your own path do shine through. The Riva kids are resilient, resourceful, and far more likable than their egocentric father, Mick. By the end, I was satisfied with where each sibling landed, even if I felt the journey there was a little rushed.

If you enjoy messy family drama with a dash of celebrity scandal, this one might be right up your alley.

Content Warnings