Review Detail
Young Adult Indie
95
A paranormal world with a difference.
Overall rating
5.0
Writing Style
N/A
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Rise (Trifecta: Book One) by Luis Almonte
The Story:
Apprentice Witch, Alexia, has enough to worry about while training for the Witch Trials—the rite of passage to become a member of the coven—without the mysteries surrounding the secret room in their house, her sister and prior best friend, and the connection she feels to the new boy in town. And when everything comes to a head, Alexia will find herself making a life or death choice.
The Characters:
It is so refreshing to read a young adult novel where the main character has to struggle alongside everyone else. It is clear there is something special about Alexia, but at the same time she does not automatically excel at each and every thing. This makes for a three-dimensional protagonist. The strength of the relationships Alexia has with her siblings, parents, coven, and friends reinforces the feeling of a true Witch Coven. Alexia’s maturity, her ‘true-teen reactions’, and honesty make her an enjoyable read.
The World:
A paranormal world with a difference. Nothing is black and white—within each paranormal sect we meet there are good and bad characters, and the result is an emotionally-complex story. The cultural aspects of the Witch covens come across natural and my suspense of belief was absolute. The magic system was unique with great spell names, and the depth of development this author had gone to while exploring the witch trials is to be commended. The brief glimpses of witch history add depth to the novel without dragging the pace down.
The Readability
I put this book down once—only because I had to. It is fast-paced and very well edited. We are thrown directly into action during the prologue, and this adds an element of suspense to the entire story as we wait for the ball to drop.
Final Verdict:
This novel has everything for the YA paranormal fantasy fan; love, friendship, family, magic, complexity, unpredictability, action, and emotional depth.
Favorite Quote:
“My magic sings deep within me, pulsing through my veins, beckoning me to cast a spell at will, and then my breath evens out. We will make it out of this.”
The Story:
Apprentice Witch, Alexia, has enough to worry about while training for the Witch Trials—the rite of passage to become a member of the coven—without the mysteries surrounding the secret room in their house, her sister and prior best friend, and the connection she feels to the new boy in town. And when everything comes to a head, Alexia will find herself making a life or death choice.
The Characters:
It is so refreshing to read a young adult novel where the main character has to struggle alongside everyone else. It is clear there is something special about Alexia, but at the same time she does not automatically excel at each and every thing. This makes for a three-dimensional protagonist. The strength of the relationships Alexia has with her siblings, parents, coven, and friends reinforces the feeling of a true Witch Coven. Alexia’s maturity, her ‘true-teen reactions’, and honesty make her an enjoyable read.
The World:
A paranormal world with a difference. Nothing is black and white—within each paranormal sect we meet there are good and bad characters, and the result is an emotionally-complex story. The cultural aspects of the Witch covens come across natural and my suspense of belief was absolute. The magic system was unique with great spell names, and the depth of development this author had gone to while exploring the witch trials is to be commended. The brief glimpses of witch history add depth to the novel without dragging the pace down.
The Readability
I put this book down once—only because I had to. It is fast-paced and very well edited. We are thrown directly into action during the prologue, and this adds an element of suspense to the entire story as we wait for the ball to drop.
Final Verdict:
This novel has everything for the YA paranormal fantasy fan; love, friendship, family, magic, complexity, unpredictability, action, and emotional depth.
Favorite Quote:
“My magic sings deep within me, pulsing through my veins, beckoning me to cast a spell at will, and then my breath evens out. We will make it out of this.”
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