The Rising (Darkness Rising #3)

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Author(s)

Kelley Armstrong

Publisher

HarperCollins

Genre(s)

Paranormal

Age Range

14+

Release Date

April 09, 2013

ISBN

0061797081

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The heart-stopping final book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, from New York Times-bestselling author Kelley Armstrong! Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by two powerful Cabals, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, they can't simply go to the authorities for help. All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable to the Cabals, and why their supernatural powers are getting more out of control. Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her, but she'll have to face them if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because she can't keep running forever. With all the twists, thrills, and romance that have made Kelley Armstrong an international bestseller--plus the surprising return of some favourite characters--The Rising will keep you under its spell long after the last page is turned.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

A Good Conclusion to a Fun Series

April 08, 2013

Overall rating

4.0

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What I Loved:
As ever, Kelley Armstrong delivers an entertaining, fast-paced, paranormal novel. With The Rising, Armstrong wraps up the Darkness Rising trilogy, though likely not her young adult tales set in this universe. The Rising brims with actions and tough decisions for the teenage characters. This review is spoiler-free for the series.

Yet again, I'm really grateful to find romance not the central element of this series. Armstrong focuses primarily on the group dynamics and world building, instead. In The Rising, Maya and her friends face their biggest challenge yet: trying to escape to cabals. The stakes are very high, and Armstrong takes a pretty unique direction with it compared to a lot of evil corporation stories. The characters all have shades of grey to their natures, and it lends a dose of realism to the supernatural story.

Almost all of the characters in the Darkness Rising series are at least somewhat sympathetic and likable. Bad guys aren't always all bad, and the good guys have their dark sides. Maya is a powerful heroine, who takes care of herself and her friends, clearly the leader of their little pack. Daniel and Rafe, the two love interests, are both decent guys, strong and devoted to their friends. Sam, perhaps my personal favorite, is sarcastic and a bit mean, but the kind of person a group needs to have around to get things done. Hayley may be blonde, but there's more to her. Corey's the clown, around to lighten the mood in the tough moments. In addition to those guys, the Darkness Rising series also joins up with the Darkest Powers series, with the main characters of that series making an appearance.

While there is a love triangle, Armstrong does a nice job with it. Only at the very end is it completely certain which guy Maya will choose, for one thing. Even better, Maya never leads anyone on. She reacts honestly and openly to those around her, and never claims to love both guys equally. When she finds herself in that situation, she takes the time to think things through and make an informed decision.

What Left Me Wanting More:
The Rising does flag a bit towards the end, changing in both tone and pacing. It felt as though Armstrong realized she needed to wrap things up, and did so as quickly as possible. There's a bit more telling through that section, and my mind wandered a bit. Still, I do like where the series left off fairly well, and do want to know more about the characters and the world.

The Final Verdict:
Though the Darkness Rising series is complete, readers have not seen the last of these kids and their world, and I am very glad of that. Kelley Armstrong is the author of consistently enjoyable novels, and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys paranormal stories full of action and a bit of romance.

Christina Franke, Staff Top 10 Reviewer 677 reviews

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Aristocrat's Ransom: The Rising

November 24, 2013

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4.7

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This review and its gifs can also be found at http://ransom-reads.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/aristocrats-ransom-rising.html

MAJOR SELLING POINTS:
Series Finale

I put off this book for a while. Because I was afraid for it to end, didn't have time to devote myself to it properly, and couldn't find it in bookstores for a while. I enjoyed reading it and seeing characters get their happy (well, as can be expected) ending after all their hard work, but I am really sad to let it go.

Supernatural Connections

Before I completed the Darkness Rising series, I read Armstrong's Darkest Powers (YA) and Otherworld (Adult) series which are all set in the same world. In THE RISING we see many connections between the series, much stronger than the other two series. Names are mentioned, actual characters appear. It made me so happy! And at other times it was incredibly terrifying because of what it might mean. Either way it has left me begging for a crossover.

SWASHBUCKLING:

As per usual for Kelley Armstrong's series finales the plot barely stops to give you a moment to breath. Though there isn't as much action as compared to the Darkest Powers ending, this series is going for a much more solid solution that will last longer being on the run. So we need to take time to figure that out and achieve it. The introduction of some awesome characters and the conflicts they bring add to the enjoyment of the plot.

LINGO:

Kelley Armstrong has written many novels, and I have loved every single one I've read. Each character is different, and the writing reflects that. Yet the character differences never stop me from turning the page. Armstrong has a compelling writing style that keeps me reading even when I'm bored (which is rarely with her books).

CREW:
Maya

I wasn't sure if I liked Maya at the start of the series after becoming attached to Chloe in Darkest Powers. Now, after a fast paced journey and high stakes, I love her. She is loyal and dedicated, but never incredibly selfish. She is the type of person I wish I had as a friend, I think. Plus she wants to be a vet and I am studying to be one :D

Ash

I wasn't expecting to see this character in this series at all, so it was a pleasant surprise to meet him. Until he opened his mouth. He's kind of a jerk who trusts no one. Considering his horrible life though, I can't say I blame him. Ash does bring some funny moments to the novel though (just like Corey does) and he has some great development.

Daniel

Daniel is so wonderful and perfect. Selfless like Maya, and willing to put himself at risk for the sake of others safety. I really liked him, and the extent of what he is willing to do so his friends can be happy and comfortable is admirable. He also possesses an incredible amount of patience.

SWOONABILITY:

The romance takes a back seat to more important plot elements. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me! It's still there, there's still romantic moments and conflicts, but nothing really happens until the end. When everything is solved. Thank you, Maya, for being sensible and realising there are more important things about your life than your boyfriend.

SHIPS:
-Maya x Rafe
-Maya x Daniel
-Chloe x Derek
-Tori x Ash
-Tori x Corey
-Darkest Powers/Darkness Rising/Otherworld series x Crossover (IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN)
-Nicole x Mental Hospital