The Rise

by H D Gordon

[Angie]

This series just keeps getting better! The Rise picks up immediately after the ending of Half Black Soul, and it doesn't hold back. It would seem that things may have been looking up after Alexa's successful rescue mission, but that is not the case at all. Alexa and Kayden are racing back to Two Rivers to save her sister, but they may too late. The darkness within Nelly has taken over, and she is not the sweet, too caring girl that Alexa left behind. Nelly is dangerous. She's given into that powerful force within her and no one is safe. If you think this is one of those books where the power of love protects Alexa and their mother from Nelly, you're wrong. Not only must Alexa keep herself alive, she has to save everyone from the one person she's sworn to protect above all, and save her sister from herself. Not an easy task.

Once again, The Rise mainly alternates between Alexa and Nelly. And as always, Alexa's only concern is her sister, and keeping her secret. Nelly, on the other hand, is struggling with her inner monster. Sadly, the monster wins, but it definitely made for some intense reading. In the previous books we're only told how terrible the Lamia are, and witness a few of their attacks. Now, we get into the head of one, and it is a dark and disturbing place. Through all of this, Alexa is still determined to protect Nelly, no matter who she has to push aside along the way. We also get three more minor POVs: King William, Jackson and Kayden. The only one of these that I felt really added to the story was King William, since he is our main villain. He is a bad, bad man.

In addition to the intense and emotional plot, there continues to be some great world building. Another hidden community is introduced in The Rise, but it's not just for vampires and werewolves. There are pixies, fae, trolls, leprechauns...everything! I really liked seeing that vampires and shifters aren't the only paranormal beings in the world. Seers are also introduced, and Alexa has a very interesting meeting with one of them. I don't want to say too much about it, because it's a huge turning point in the book. Let's just say it didn't turn out how I was expecting at all, and one character really redeemed themself in my eyes.

I love this series and The Rise really takes it to another level. Alexa may have had several set backs in her journey to lead the supposedly revolution, but she has made progress. These middle books have certainly not been filler. King William needs to be stopped, and Alexa may finally have everything she needs to do so. Luckily, I have the final book ready so I can't find out!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.