A review by gillyreads
Rising by Bronwyn Eley

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Rising is the third and final book of The Relic Trilogy by Bronwyn Eley. I so desperately wanted to know how the complexities within the story would be resolved that I persevered reading despite feeling horrifically unwell and just wanting to sleep. It was definitely worth it though to finally know how all the threads tie together.

Rising is a great conclusion to the trilogy. With fast paced action, a cast of interesting and unique characters and some incredible relationships, Eley has built an incredibly satisfying reading experience across three books. The overall concept underpinning the trilogy is original and compelling: it’s not possible to be: sure exactly how the situation will work out.

Kaylan’s struggles really come to the fore in Rising, as she grapples with the effects of the relic on her, and how she’s changed since she became the Shadow. She’s a fantastic protagonist; I love the juxtaposition of her determination and uncertainty. Throughout, it is unclear exactly how she will do what she knows is right, and doing what is right includes she has to compromise her desire not to hurt people. This contrasts with her strong feelings of wanting vengeance on the person who killed her family, another interesting contradiction that I think makes her very relatable.

Overall a really wonderful conclusion to a series I really enjoyed.

I reviewed this for AusYA Bloggers: http://ausyabloggers.blogspot.com/2021/05/rising-by-bronwyn-eley.html