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Rising Fears
Welcome to the town of Rising. A place where everyone knows everyone else. A place where no one locks their doors. A place where everyone's worst fears...are about to come true.
- GenresHorrorSupernatural
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2010
174 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Michaelbrent Collings
94 books660 followersOne of the most versatile writers around, Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally bestselling novelist, produced screenwriter, and multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. While he is best known for horror (and is one of the most successful indie horror authors in the United States), he has also written bestselling thriller, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, young adult, and middle grade works, and Western Romance.
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 12, 2026
This was very ok for me. I've never read this author before, and am not sure I would again, either. I didn't like the writing style, which comprised of a ton of incomplete sentences and questionable structuring. The story itself was very basic, in that it focuses on a traumatized small town sheriff trying to fight off an evil that plagues Rising. It was a good, creepy atmosphere, but that's about all I could salvage here. I felt like there wasn't a ton of effort put into the character development. More was placed on detailing the fears and experiences of the townspeople with this evil presence, and the visions seen by Jason. And honestly, they were all overdone, exhausting the desired effect on the reader. The characters were also all very, very cookie cutter typecast, i.e. troubled lawman hero, lonely and gorgeous love interest, hot and snotty cheerleader, simple-minded oaf, nerdy high schooler, etc. The finale had some intriguing basis, but overall, I just didn't enjoy this experience all that much. So, going back to my first sentence here, all I can say is that the entire book was just ok. That's the best word I can muster up here.
January 22, 2012
Fear is the mind-killer indeed. Mr. Collins writes an effective short novel about that subject. His writing is evocative and distinctive. Definitely one to check out.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
December 19, 2015
Rising Fears’ revolves around a town which is suddenly plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances and violent deaths. The main character, Jason is a policeman who attempts to figure out what is really happening while struggling to come to terms with losing his wife and son.
The author succeeded in creating the atmosphere of fear coupled with uncertainties and intensity. Some of the scenes really stood out such as Jason’s constant sighting of his deceased family. The descriptions regarding what several characters experience prior to their respective deaths were effective as they were detailed enough to give the reader an idea of their final thoughts and feelings, hence this human aspect heightens the creepiness.
However, I was let down by the explanation behind these strange occurrences. It did somewhat make sense but the revelation came across as abrupt and the ending fell flat for me. It seemed like all Jason did was run around protecting others without actually having to strive for information. Plus, the way those characters discovered the reason behind the tragic incidents was too convenient for my liking. Anyhow, this book was a quick read.
Overall, the incorporation of the theme of fear in ‘Rising Fears’ was certainly interesting though the book would have benefited from an in-depth explanation and slower pacing in the last few chapters.
The author succeeded in creating the atmosphere of fear coupled with uncertainties and intensity. Some of the scenes really stood out such as Jason’s constant sighting of his deceased family. The descriptions regarding what several characters experience prior to their respective deaths were effective as they were detailed enough to give the reader an idea of their final thoughts and feelings, hence this human aspect heightens the creepiness.
However, I was let down by the explanation behind these strange occurrences. It did somewhat make sense but the revelation came across as abrupt and the ending fell flat for me. It seemed like all Jason did was run around protecting others without actually having to strive for information. Plus, the way those characters discovered the reason behind the tragic incidents was too convenient for my liking. Anyhow, this book was a quick read.
Overall, the incorporation of the theme of fear in ‘Rising Fears’ was certainly interesting though the book would have benefited from an in-depth explanation and slower pacing in the last few chapters.
July 30, 2013
Michaelbrent Collings is an author whose style I've really come to enjoy lately. He portrays characters that the reader sincerely CARE about. In this, we are drawn to each successive passage--riveted on the events unfolding before them.
RISING FEARS focuses on a small town and a mysterious force that comes, bringing with it each person's own personal fear. While many variations on this theme have been done, Collings is still able to put his own unique spin to it, making the story "new" to readers. A key to this--again--is his characterization.
Recommended!
RISING FEARS focuses on a small town and a mysterious force that comes, bringing with it each person's own personal fear. While many variations on this theme have been done, Collings is still able to put his own unique spin to it, making the story "new" to readers. A key to this--again--is his characterization.
Recommended!
June 5, 2021
"I can't believe I ate the whole thing"
Even though it's an MbC book, I did struggle through many of the first chapters. Frankly, at one point I actually feared I had gotten into a Steven King book … and shortly afterwards wished I had. Of all the books I've read—oh! Full disclosure: although I have access to any one of his books, I've purchased every Kindle version, even the individual books in 'box sets' I've previously bought. Howcome [sic]? Because his writing is right up there with my idol (author) Dean Koontz. Whatever genre; whatever setting; the prose is exquisite!
Admittedly, it was difficult to really get immersed in the yarn but when the rhythm became apparent I was unable to put the book down. (And couldn't hit the sack before noting some of my impressions—apologies for muddled thoughts and comments.)MbC has woven a heart-rendering and a heart-warming tale of fragile, yet resourceful people who struggle with tragedies that occur in most folks' lives. Some of his protagonists (he's given us quite a few) don't fare very well. But he wraps up with a somewhat satisfying and plausible denouement. No, it's a far cry from, "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), but heartwarming.
Even though it's an MbC book, I did struggle through many of the first chapters. Frankly, at one point I actually feared I had gotten into a Steven King book … and shortly afterwards wished I had. Of all the books I've read—oh! Full disclosure: although I have access to any one of his books, I've purchased every Kindle version, even the individual books in 'box sets' I've previously bought. Howcome [sic]? Because his writing is right up there with my idol (author) Dean Koontz. Whatever genre; whatever setting; the prose is exquisite!
Admittedly, it was difficult to really get immersed in the yarn but when the rhythm became apparent I was unable to put the book down. (And couldn't hit the sack before noting some of my impressions—apologies for muddled thoughts and comments.)MbC has woven a heart-rendering and a heart-warming tale of fragile, yet resourceful people who struggle with tragedies that occur in most folks' lives. Some of his protagonists (he's given us quite a few) don't fare very well. But he wraps up with a somewhat satisfying and plausible denouement. No, it's a far cry from, "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), but heartwarming.
July 29, 2020
I cannot more enthusiastically recommend this book. Now, calling it a book may be a stretch, more like a longer novella, but I don't hold that against it. The premise isn't anything new, but the ideas and supporting theories are, and as a history buff, I was completely engrossed. This could have easily been 400 plus pages with more character development, but as published, it's a quick and entertaining read. Have decided that Collings is one of my new favorites, going to start tearing through his back catalog!
October 2, 2020
On my, my. I enjoyed this book.
It's 2:55 a.m. And I just finished this book. What a great ride! Kept me interested from the beginning and kept me guessing till the end. Loved it! I am going to submit my short review and hop on over in search of another Michaelbrent Collins book.
It's 2:55 a.m. And I just finished this book. What a great ride! Kept me interested from the beginning and kept me guessing till the end. Loved it! I am going to submit my short review and hop on over in search of another Michaelbrent Collins book.
October 30, 2020
This brief but satisfying supernatural thriller is balanced as well as any book Collings has written. Great characters and a plot that draws you in from the first page enhance the legitimately scary concept behind the story. Great Halloween reading and a nice companion to The Forest thematically.
December 15, 2020
Amazing author
“Book good. Me like words in book. More words!”
Quoted from author at end of book. 😂😂😂😂
I’m horrible with words but will say that I have read many of his books so far and I’ve been completely enthralled staying up all night and reading most of them within a day or two
“Book good. Me like words in book. More words!”
Quoted from author at end of book. 😂😂😂😂
I’m horrible with words but will say that I have read many of his books so far and I’ve been completely enthralled staying up all night and reading most of them within a day or two
May 4, 2020
Great book.
Great book. Recommend it to everyone. Great characters and very interesting story. Very well written and totally a very good plot and great writer.Thank you for sharing your talent.Please keep writing .Thank you.
Great book. Recommend it to everyone. Great characters and very interesting story. Very well written and totally a very good plot and great writer.Thank you for sharing your talent.Please keep writing .Thank you.
July 13, 2021
This was a quick read and a pretty good story, but I have to say I thought it wasn’t one of MbC’s best. It is an early one though. I liked the characters but just didn’t see the story as completely original as many of his later books are. Still I’d recommend it, it’s worth reading for sure.
July 22, 2021
Wow, Loved This
This was a great read. Lenore, Hattie, Jason are brilliant characters. Hatty needs a story of her own. Collings does what de does best; keeps the reader engaged and creates amazing characters.
This was a great read. Lenore, Hattie, Jason are brilliant characters. Hatty needs a story of her own. Collings does what de does best; keeps the reader engaged and creates amazing characters.
January 23, 2022
loved it!
This was a great story! I enjoyed the direction it took, the characters were good and there was enough background on them that it kept the story going without needing 2 or 3 more chapters of character development. Also always love stories that bring up Roanoke!
This was a great story! I enjoyed the direction it took, the characters were good and there was enough background on them that it kept the story going without needing 2 or 3 more chapters of character development. Also always love stories that bring up Roanoke!
June 9, 2020
Another great read by this author! Wow!
July 3, 2020
Loved this book. Story hooked me from the start and held me throughout.
Strongly recommend this as a summer treat
Strongly recommend this as a summer treat
July 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book, it got my attention quick. The characters are likable and the story is interesting.
September 19, 2020
A quick, fun read.
October 7, 2020
Fears
Who knew that fear could cause death. Well written story and really makes you think about what fears can do. By facing your fears, you kill the power of holds over your life.
Who knew that fear could cause death. Well written story and really makes you think about what fears can do. By facing your fears, you kill the power of holds over your life.
December 3, 2020
Heart pounding
What if your worst fear came to town in a fog that surrounds everything. People start to vanish.
What do you Fear? Leaves you wanting more.
What if your worst fear came to town in a fog that surrounds everything. People start to vanish.
What do you Fear? Leaves you wanting more.
October 21, 2021
Horror, mystery and salvation
If you like the combination of these three things in addition to some brief glimpses into unexplained history you will like this book.
If you like the combination of these three things in addition to some brief glimpses into unexplained history you will like this book.
November 22, 2021
3 Stars. this was okay
December 28, 2021
Love it!
This author was a truly great find, everything I've read so far is very suspenseful and entertaining. Looking forward to more!
This author was a truly great find, everything I've read so far is very suspenseful and entertaining. Looking forward to more!
February 26, 2022
Another good read
Fast paced action. Good character development. I love this author and have read many of his books. Will read others as they are published.
Fast paced action. Good character development. I love this author and have read many of his books. Will read others as they are published.
June 14, 2022
Good book
This was a well imagined storyline. Likable characters. It would make an awesome scary movie!
Mr. Collings always produces books that will freak your mind out.
This was a well imagined storyline. Likable characters. It would make an awesome scary movie!
Mr. Collings always produces books that will freak your mind out.
June 29, 2022
Rising Fears
Another brilliant book by Michaelbrent . Really enjoyed this story .
So addicted to this author!
Highly recommend this book
Another brilliant book by Michaelbrent . Really enjoyed this story .
So addicted to this author!
Highly recommend this book
February 27, 2012
Unexplained and bizarre deaths in small-town Washington trap the sheriff and a local teacher, forcing them to confront evil without and within. I can't read novels that don't actually tell stories; this book was hard to put down, hooking me at the end of every chapter and driving me to the end with relentless suspense, mystery and terror. By the end I felt like I knew a little more about what it meant to be human... and I also couldn't fall asleep without the blanket pulled all the way up to my neck.
April 2, 2015
Super, great read. This book pulls you in immediately, and it will not let you go until the last page. I loved the premise of this story, and if you think about it too much, it causes even more fear. I found myself analyzing my own fears to make sure they did not "take me over", and then end up killing me. Highly recommend for a quick, engaging, and real hard to put down book.
November 29, 2012
Thinking this book was going to be like billy messenger of powers I started to read this book. I soon after stopped. The first few pages creeped me out enough to convince me deleting it off my kindle.
April 24, 2015
This was a pretty good book, and actually, it has some similar elements to one of the books I'm reading right now. I read so late at night after a long day that I'm not sure what I'm reading sometimes.
May 13, 2015
The style is atrocious, the technique sloppy. It's a slow start as well, but from middle to end the pacing is gripping.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews