Nightshade Prequel #2: Rise Review

Title: Nightshade Prequel #2: Rise

Author: Andrea Cremer

Date of Publication: January 8, 2013

Formats Available: Hardcover, E-Book

Buy This Book: Amazon

Synopsis: Everything Conatus stands for is at risk. Hoping to gather enough resistance to save their order, Ember and Barrow attempt a desperate escape. But fate offers little mercy. When their mission is exposed, the couple face relentless pursuit by the supernatural horrors that act on the commands of Eira’s ally: the mysterious Bosque Mar. A shocking revelation forces Ember out of hiding, sending her back into the heart of dark magic at Tearmunn keep, where she must convince her old friend Alistair of her love or face dire consequences. Ember’s deception offers the only chance for the resistance to succeed, but what she discovers in the shadows beneath the keep will shatter her world and bring about the Witches’ War.

My Review:

Richly romantic and full of dark twists and turns Rise was a fantastic sequel to Rift. Picking up right after the last one left off Ember and Barrow are on a desperate run for their lives as they avoid the evils present at Tearmunn. Packed with action, romance, and tension I became completely engrossed in this novel before I even knew what was happening!

I love Ember as a heroine; she's brave, she's rebellious, and she's loyal. Her romance with Barrow is sweet and swoon worthy, while romantic moments are a bit few and far between (especially toward the end) Cremer knows how to make them count. While there was nothing wrong with his character I would have loved to see a little more development with Barrow in this novel. He was by no means a two-dimensional character but I finished the novel feeling like he was the exact same character he had been at the beginning of the novel.

Getting to know Embers sister Agnes, as well as all her secrets, was a huge part of this novel. While Embers sister had played a smaller role in the previous novel she played a much bigger one in this novel and the ending leaves me wondering what's going to happen to her and her secrets next. Agnes has a lot of room to grow and the way the novel ended left an opening for a sequel completely revolving around her.

While the plot didn't necessarily throw me any loops or keep me guessing it was entertaining and the small chapters made for a fast read despite the length of the novel.  With a few unanswered questions involving Agnes, Alistair, and Eira I'm hoping for another sequel (hopefully with Agnes!) but I also feel like a lot of the questions could be answered by the Nightshade series itself so I guess we'll have to see.

With great characters, an exciting plot, and sensual romance Rise is most definitely a great historical fantasy! Older teens and fans of YA will definitely enjoy this continuation of the Nightshade series or just enjoy Rift and Rise on their own as a standalone series!

4/5