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Trinity Forest #2
Oshun Rising
OSHUN has everything a young pop star could ever want—fame, fortune, and beauty to spare. But there’s something dark inside of her, rising like the tide, fighting to be heard. Something that terrifies her. Because once she lets it out, she knows there’s no going back.
EMBER is drowning. Fighting for consciousness, struggling to make sense of the strange dreams she’s been having—prophecies of murder, deception, and blackmail. But once she begins to untangle them, she realizes that they might not be dreams at all…and if she doesn’t find a way to stop what she’s seeing, more people will die.
MADDIE is barely staying afloat. How can she be expected to care about school when her best friend Ember is still missing, presumed dead? So when Ember’s brother calls and tells her about his theory about a pop star who may be involved in Ember’s disappearance, she rallies him to take a road trip to check it out.
EMBER is drowning. Fighting for consciousness, struggling to make sense of the strange dreams she’s been having—prophecies of murder, deception, and blackmail. But once she begins to untangle them, she realizes that they might not be dreams at all…and if she doesn’t find a way to stop what she’s seeing, more people will die.
MADDIE is barely staying afloat. How can she be expected to care about school when her best friend Ember is still missing, presumed dead? So when Ember’s brother calls and tells her about his theory about a pop star who may be involved in Ember’s disappearance, she rallies him to take a road trip to check it out.
345 pages, ebook
Published August 28, 2017
16 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Alsever
6 books111 followersGet a free copy of Ember Burning when you sign up for Jennifer's VIP Reader Group:
www.jenniferalsever.com/free-book
Jennifer Alsever is a Colorado-based young adult author and a national business journalist. In 2017, she published her first work of fiction, the Trinity Forest Series, (Ember Burning, Oshun Rising and Venus Shining). The young adult trilogy is set in nearby Leadville, Colorado and is about a girl who becomes entangled in a local forest teeming with urban legends of witchcraft and strange disappearances and must not only find herself but ultimately save the world.
The series won five YA book awards.
In 2020, Jennifer Alsever published her fourth novel, Extraordinary Lies about two girls from vastly different backgrounds who are thrust together for psychic testing at the Stanford Research Institute. As the scientists’ experiments begin to get creepier, the two girls must discover the truth about who they are and the secrets that keep them in the dark.
In 2022, she published her fifth YA novel, Burying Eva Flores, about a war between two teens that spins out control when one of them finds a new unique power.
For more than two decades, she also has contributed to such publications as Fortune Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Wired and Fast Company.
You’ll most likely find Jennifer at her keyboard or under a blanket with a great book, enjoying a handful of frozen chocolate chips. She reveres her mountain bike, and enjoys skiing and being on the lake with her family. Most people say she needs her yoga mat to stay sane.
AWARDS:
*Gold Medal Best YA Ebook Independent Publisher Book Awards 2018
*Gold Medal Best YA Horror/Mystery 2018
*Finalist Dante Rossetti Book Awards 2018
*Honorable Mention Best Indie Ebook: Writer's Digest 2019
*Finalist: Publishers Weekly Book Life Awards 2017
www.jenniferalsever.com/free-book
Jennifer Alsever is a Colorado-based young adult author and a national business journalist. In 2017, she published her first work of fiction, the Trinity Forest Series, (Ember Burning, Oshun Rising and Venus Shining). The young adult trilogy is set in nearby Leadville, Colorado and is about a girl who becomes entangled in a local forest teeming with urban legends of witchcraft and strange disappearances and must not only find herself but ultimately save the world.
The series won five YA book awards.
In 2020, Jennifer Alsever published her fourth novel, Extraordinary Lies about two girls from vastly different backgrounds who are thrust together for psychic testing at the Stanford Research Institute. As the scientists’ experiments begin to get creepier, the two girls must discover the truth about who they are and the secrets that keep them in the dark.
In 2022, she published her fifth YA novel, Burying Eva Flores, about a war between two teens that spins out control when one of them finds a new unique power.
For more than two decades, she also has contributed to such publications as Fortune Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Wired and Fast Company.
You’ll most likely find Jennifer at her keyboard or under a blanket with a great book, enjoying a handful of frozen chocolate chips. She reveres her mountain bike, and enjoys skiing and being on the lake with her family. Most people say she needs her yoga mat to stay sane.
AWARDS:
*Gold Medal Best YA Ebook Independent Publisher Book Awards 2018
*Gold Medal Best YA Horror/Mystery 2018
*Finalist Dante Rossetti Book Awards 2018
*Honorable Mention Best Indie Ebook: Writer's Digest 2019
*Finalist: Publishers Weekly Book Life Awards 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 6, 2017
Ember’s story continues through the hearts and voices of those who loved and knew the girl she once was. Hope still burns and in the three years Ember has been missing, her brother Jarod has become obsessed with finding her to the exclusion of all else in his life, except the companionship of Maddie, Ember’s best friend. Time flows differently in the Trinity Forest and in what seemed like only a very short time, Ember found Tre, but also discovered she had made a mistake escaping into the Trinity Forest, but can she really return back to her world as promised or will the price be too high to pay? Will she find Tre again, back in her reality? Her heart is torn, but her mistake has left her shattered.
Oshun is the latest popstar. Beautiful, charismatic on stage, yet aloof to the world around her. She came alive on stage, she could forget the darkness that grew within, she could forget the voice in her head that was not hers and the terror of losing herself to its words, because they cried for help.
Ember is lost in a space of non-existence, a place filled with dreams, nightmares, fleeting visions and memories, but are they hers? Where is she? Is it true what her nightmares say? Is the world about to be lost to an unknown enemy? She is herself, but not, and she is trapped, no longer in the Trinity Forest, no longer in her reality. Then she saw him, that young man in the crowd, and the jumbled puzzle that was her life began to slowly piece together into a nightmare more terrifying than she could have imagined, and she wanted to go where her heart called home.
Meanwhile, Jarod and Maddie will follow Jarod’s latest theory on where Ember was. Jarod believed his sister was alive and would come home. But is it too late for that? The world is dying and for every soul who succumbs to the mystery disease, an unknown force is growing stronger, more deadly, more brutal and more insane.
OSHUN RISING by Jennifer Alsever is NOT that sequel stepchild of so many series! This series is blown wide open with characters one can touch, feel true emotions for, from dislike to respect to fear and sympathy. Jennifer Alsever’s mind is like a garden in full bloom. I was captivated by EMBER BURNING, but OSHUN RISING has taken my breath away with Ms. Alsever’s powerful writing and brilliant storytelling. A tale of one girl running away from reality to that same girl finding the grass not only wasn’t greener, but was infested with the rot of hatred and trickery, begins another attempt to run. Ember now believes there was no place like home, but can we ever truly go home again? When do we stop and hold ourselves accountable for the decisions we make and what price are we willing to pay for the deals we make with the devil? When do we realize our decision affect not only ourselves, but those around us, like the butterfly effect?
This is NOT a fluffy fantasy with a touch of angst and a little crush here and there, this is dark, wickedly detailed and fabulously executed reading.
I received a complimentary review copy from Jennifer Alsever!
Series: Trinity Forest - Book 2
Publisher: Sawatch Publishing (August 28, 2017)
Publication Date: August 28, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 348 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Oshun is the latest popstar. Beautiful, charismatic on stage, yet aloof to the world around her. She came alive on stage, she could forget the darkness that grew within, she could forget the voice in her head that was not hers and the terror of losing herself to its words, because they cried for help.
Ember is lost in a space of non-existence, a place filled with dreams, nightmares, fleeting visions and memories, but are they hers? Where is she? Is it true what her nightmares say? Is the world about to be lost to an unknown enemy? She is herself, but not, and she is trapped, no longer in the Trinity Forest, no longer in her reality. Then she saw him, that young man in the crowd, and the jumbled puzzle that was her life began to slowly piece together into a nightmare more terrifying than she could have imagined, and she wanted to go where her heart called home.
Meanwhile, Jarod and Maddie will follow Jarod’s latest theory on where Ember was. Jarod believed his sister was alive and would come home. But is it too late for that? The world is dying and for every soul who succumbs to the mystery disease, an unknown force is growing stronger, more deadly, more brutal and more insane.
OSHUN RISING by Jennifer Alsever is NOT that sequel stepchild of so many series! This series is blown wide open with characters one can touch, feel true emotions for, from dislike to respect to fear and sympathy. Jennifer Alsever’s mind is like a garden in full bloom. I was captivated by EMBER BURNING, but OSHUN RISING has taken my breath away with Ms. Alsever’s powerful writing and brilliant storytelling. A tale of one girl running away from reality to that same girl finding the grass not only wasn’t greener, but was infested with the rot of hatred and trickery, begins another attempt to run. Ember now believes there was no place like home, but can we ever truly go home again? When do we stop and hold ourselves accountable for the decisions we make and what price are we willing to pay for the deals we make with the devil? When do we realize our decision affect not only ourselves, but those around us, like the butterfly effect?
This is NOT a fluffy fantasy with a touch of angst and a little crush here and there, this is dark, wickedly detailed and fabulously executed reading.
I received a complimentary review copy from Jennifer Alsever!
Series: Trinity Forest - Book 2
Publisher: Sawatch Publishing (August 28, 2017)
Publication Date: August 28, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 348 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 24, 2018
You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef. Thanks to Kate Tilton's Author Services for the review copy in exchange of my honest opinion.
I don’t usually read paranormal, but since Halloween season is fast approaching, I feel so in the mood for reading this type of genre. And let me tell you that I absolutely enjoyed reading Oshun Rising and it is a perfect fit for the season. From the scenery descriptions to the overall feeling of the story, this book is gripping as well as eerie. It had me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book and I cannot wait to read the final installment.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was that it had so many POVs. While I don’t tend to read many books with multiple perspectives, I liked how in this book it felt appropriate to have so many since it allowed me to get a wider understanding of the story and the characters. If I had to pick, I’d say I loved being in Oshun’s and Ember’s shoes the most.
However, I really felt for Oshun and felt quite attached to her story and struggles. She has a tough personality, but the challenges she faces are not easy and as the story progresses, you understand WHY she acts they way she does. By the end of this book, I was quite heartbroken for her.
Overall, if I thought Ember Burning was dark, let me tell you that it is nothing compared to what the characters have to face in Oshun Rising. In this installment, we once again face a character that rebirths people into other bodies by using witchcraft. Most of the time, she turns them into more influential people like rock stars, politicians, and tech people. It’s a bit complicated how it all works, but the reason behind this is to eliminate humankind from Earth and the type of situation where the villain truly believes that what they are trying to do is what the world needs in order to progress– to make way for a better society. In a way, this kind of reflects our own reality. It’s seriously creepy how some people with higher power or influence over us all can determine what’s the greater good for the society without considering our own wishes.
Final Verdict:
Oshun Rising is my favorite book in the series so far! It’s dark, gritty, and unputdownable. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for us in Venus Shining!
I don’t usually read paranormal, but since Halloween season is fast approaching, I feel so in the mood for reading this type of genre. And let me tell you that I absolutely enjoyed reading Oshun Rising and it is a perfect fit for the season. From the scenery descriptions to the overall feeling of the story, this book is gripping as well as eerie. It had me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book and I cannot wait to read the final installment.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was that it had so many POVs. While I don’t tend to read many books with multiple perspectives, I liked how in this book it felt appropriate to have so many since it allowed me to get a wider understanding of the story and the characters. If I had to pick, I’d say I loved being in Oshun’s and Ember’s shoes the most.
However, I really felt for Oshun and felt quite attached to her story and struggles. She has a tough personality, but the challenges she faces are not easy and as the story progresses, you understand WHY she acts they way she does. By the end of this book, I was quite heartbroken for her.
Overall, if I thought Ember Burning was dark, let me tell you that it is nothing compared to what the characters have to face in Oshun Rising. In this installment, we once again face a character that rebirths people into other bodies by using witchcraft. Most of the time, she turns them into more influential people like rock stars, politicians, and tech people. It’s a bit complicated how it all works, but the reason behind this is to eliminate humankind from Earth and the type of situation where the villain truly believes that what they are trying to do is what the world needs in order to progress– to make way for a better society. In a way, this kind of reflects our own reality. It’s seriously creepy how some people with higher power or influence over us all can determine what’s the greater good for the society without considering our own wishes.
Final Verdict:
Oshun Rising is my favorite book in the series so far! It’s dark, gritty, and unputdownable. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for us in Venus Shining!
April 21, 2018
Well that was intense! And here I was thinking that a lot happened in the first book! Oshun Rising jumped straight back into the story, straight back into the action. But it was also a very different story. and I really enjoyed it.
This story just got so much more complex in this book. where the first book followed just Ember this book jumped around and switched perspective ever chapter. Although this did take some getting used to I actually ended up really growing to enjoy this. It meant that we got to see a hell of a lot more of the story then we would have if it had just been Ember/Oshun’s POV. It meant that we got to see all these different branches of the story and watch them weave together. I really liked the fact that we got to see the story from all angles. I was really curious how Alsever was going to do this book as I wasn’t sure how it would work if it was just from Oshun’s POV, but this way of telling the story was perfect for it.
I also liked the fact that throughout this book we slowly got to piece together the bigger picture. Everything wasn’t just suddenly revealed to us in one go, it was all woven into the story. a little hint here, a clue there, a mention nearby. It was just refreshing to see. A lot of the time in YA books there is just this sudden moment of complete understanding where everything is instantly revealed to you, and that gets a bit boring. But I liked that Oshun Rising let the reader figure it out.
Even though this instalment of the story was very different to the first book, it still felt the same. I still have no idea how to categorise it, there were still occult like elements, ancient Egyptian references and all that sort of stuff. It was still really weird and different and a bit confusing. And I am really glad that that continued. I think if it had lost the weirdness, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. so much was different in this book, I am glad that that was the same.
But now I am just so curious as to what is going to happen in the final book. I feel like I know what is ultimately going to happen, but there are so many things that need to be resolved and explained. I need to know what the hell is up with Lodima. Who is she, and what is her role in all of this. The same goes for Ember’s mother. I just have so many questions that I need answers too. I will 100% be finishing this trilogy. I need answers.
4.5 out of 5
This story just got so much more complex in this book. where the first book followed just Ember this book jumped around and switched perspective ever chapter. Although this did take some getting used to I actually ended up really growing to enjoy this. It meant that we got to see a hell of a lot more of the story then we would have if it had just been Ember/Oshun’s POV. It meant that we got to see all these different branches of the story and watch them weave together. I really liked the fact that we got to see the story from all angles. I was really curious how Alsever was going to do this book as I wasn’t sure how it would work if it was just from Oshun’s POV, but this way of telling the story was perfect for it.
I also liked the fact that throughout this book we slowly got to piece together the bigger picture. Everything wasn’t just suddenly revealed to us in one go, it was all woven into the story. a little hint here, a clue there, a mention nearby. It was just refreshing to see. A lot of the time in YA books there is just this sudden moment of complete understanding where everything is instantly revealed to you, and that gets a bit boring. But I liked that Oshun Rising let the reader figure it out.
Even though this instalment of the story was very different to the first book, it still felt the same. I still have no idea how to categorise it, there were still occult like elements, ancient Egyptian references and all that sort of stuff. It was still really weird and different and a bit confusing. And I am really glad that that continued. I think if it had lost the weirdness, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. so much was different in this book, I am glad that that was the same.
But now I am just so curious as to what is going to happen in the final book. I feel like I know what is ultimately going to happen, but there are so many things that need to be resolved and explained. I need to know what the hell is up with Lodima. Who is she, and what is her role in all of this. The same goes for Ember’s mother. I just have so many questions that I need answers too. I will 100% be finishing this trilogy. I need answers.
4.5 out of 5
April 13, 2018
The second book in the Trinity Forest trilogy just blew me away.
In the sequel, Jennifer Alsever continues to develop a thrillingly dark and twisted novel. Readers are exposed to some of the dark secrets that the Annunaki have planned. A day, when only the strong survive to be manipulated.
"I envision the whole world at my fingertips. The dead filling the souls of my human puppets."
Readers also journey through tragedy and heartbreak as the story's perspective shifts from single person, Ember, to those family and friends that she left behind. You follow Jared and Maddie as they search for answers as to why Ember vanished, without a trace, 3 years prior. Jared has become obsessed with the disappearance, chasing down every frantic lead, but along the way, Maddie's hope that Ember is still alive wanes. She encouragingly tries to push Jared into his future, a life with her and one in which Ember is gone forever. However, Jared refuses to let go of the belief that his sister is still alive, even if he gets himself locked up in the process.
Alsever beautifully weaves reality and mystical in this story. Readers are pulled into the grief and desperation that is felt by those who are left after tragedy strikes, while furthering the dark agenda of the ancient Annunaki.
I cannot wait to read the final book in this series!
In the sequel, Jennifer Alsever continues to develop a thrillingly dark and twisted novel. Readers are exposed to some of the dark secrets that the Annunaki have planned. A day, when only the strong survive to be manipulated.
"I envision the whole world at my fingertips. The dead filling the souls of my human puppets."
Readers also journey through tragedy and heartbreak as the story's perspective shifts from single person, Ember, to those family and friends that she left behind. You follow Jared and Maddie as they search for answers as to why Ember vanished, without a trace, 3 years prior. Jared has become obsessed with the disappearance, chasing down every frantic lead, but along the way, Maddie's hope that Ember is still alive wanes. She encouragingly tries to push Jared into his future, a life with her and one in which Ember is gone forever. However, Jared refuses to let go of the belief that his sister is still alive, even if he gets himself locked up in the process.
Alsever beautifully weaves reality and mystical in this story. Readers are pulled into the grief and desperation that is felt by those who are left after tragedy strikes, while furthering the dark agenda of the ancient Annunaki.
I cannot wait to read the final book in this series!
July 15, 2019
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
You have just gotta read/listen to book one of this series. You will enjoy the follow up so much more. There are things that you just need to know, may want to experience, and just to save you sanity later on.
I may be just a bit bias. I loved book one. I loved book two just as much. This was truly and epic step in to the Trinity Forest. You will want to know all that you can to have yourself prepared for what will be coming to you.
Come join the Trinity Forest journey. Its full of deep characters with layers, rich world building for the forest, life, sorrow, pain, sadness, truth. I unwilling to give up too much but you will find that Ember, Oshun, Maddie, Jarod, Tre and more will have an impact on you and how you will look at the YA genre.
Narration was very much a complement to the coming of age, coming to terms young adult read that shows there are many ways to interpret things in life. The tones, pitch, and cadence helps to enforce much of the current running through this story.
*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobookworm Promotions on behalf of various authors, narrators, and publishers. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
You have just gotta read/listen to book one of this series. You will enjoy the follow up so much more. There are things that you just need to know, may want to experience, and just to save you sanity later on.
I may be just a bit bias. I loved book one. I loved book two just as much. This was truly and epic step in to the Trinity Forest. You will want to know all that you can to have yourself prepared for what will be coming to you.
Come join the Trinity Forest journey. Its full of deep characters with layers, rich world building for the forest, life, sorrow, pain, sadness, truth. I unwilling to give up too much but you will find that Ember, Oshun, Maddie, Jarod, Tre and more will have an impact on you and how you will look at the YA genre.
Narration was very much a complement to the coming of age, coming to terms young adult read that shows there are many ways to interpret things in life. The tones, pitch, and cadence helps to enforce much of the current running through this story.
*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Audiobookworm Promotions on behalf of various authors, narrators, and publishers. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 7, 2020
This series is faultless! I need book 3 now!
December 30, 2018
Wow... I loved this book! I had hesitated to start this book, kinda' dragging my feet since really, I had not appreciated the first book in this series, but I had received a code from the author with the hopes that I'd voluntarily leave a review. So I felt obligated to at least give the Trinity Forest trilogy another try...
This book gave us several new perspectives... Where the first book was all about Ember, this book was about Maddie (her best friend) and Jarrod (Ember's brother), neither of whom had yet given up hope of finding Ember alive! Of course we also had Ember's POV, with the addition of Oshun's (Ember's alter-ego) POV overlapping... I found this to be an amazingly complex and well written story. A story that held my attention all the way through to the end!
On the other hand, I can't say that I truly appreciated the narration. Moira Todd is not what I'd call a voice actress. She's fine with a single POV, but didn't even try to sound different as she switched from one character to another. It's only due to character specific chapter headings that I didn't lose my place in the audio version. So, in spite of the narration, I'm looking forward to "reading" the final book (Venus Shining), so I can discover how this vastly improved story ARC concludes!
This book gave us several new perspectives... Where the first book was all about Ember, this book was about Maddie (her best friend) and Jarrod (Ember's brother), neither of whom had yet given up hope of finding Ember alive! Of course we also had Ember's POV, with the addition of Oshun's (Ember's alter-ego) POV overlapping... I found this to be an amazingly complex and well written story. A story that held my attention all the way through to the end!
On the other hand, I can't say that I truly appreciated the narration. Moira Todd is not what I'd call a voice actress. She's fine with a single POV, but didn't even try to sound different as she switched from one character to another. It's only due to character specific chapter headings that I didn't lose my place in the audio version. So, in spite of the narration, I'm looking forward to "reading" the final book (Venus Shining), so I can discover how this vastly improved story ARC concludes!
April 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oshun Rising is a delightfully fun, dark, and twisted tale, that leaves readers wanting more.
Oshun Rising, unlike Ember Burning is written in multiple point of views, and transitions between characters flawlessly. It was easy to differentiate between the characters, and made it easy to connect with them. I found the characters to be both believable, and realistic. Oshun was completely full of her self, that I could not help to both admire her and hate her at the same time. Oshun fits the stereotype of certain modern pop stars perfectly.
I enjoyed the references to ancient Egypt mythology, and found that it gave the novel a unique feel.
I cannot wait to read the last installment of this trilogy, and see what happens next. I would recommend this book to any fan of paranormal books.
Oshun Rising is a delightfully fun, dark, and twisted tale, that leaves readers wanting more.
Oshun Rising, unlike Ember Burning is written in multiple point of views, and transitions between characters flawlessly. It was easy to differentiate between the characters, and made it easy to connect with them. I found the characters to be both believable, and realistic. Oshun was completely full of her self, that I could not help to both admire her and hate her at the same time. Oshun fits the stereotype of certain modern pop stars perfectly.
I enjoyed the references to ancient Egypt mythology, and found that it gave the novel a unique feel.
I cannot wait to read the last installment of this trilogy, and see what happens next. I would recommend this book to any fan of paranormal books.
July 24, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog: https://phanniethegingerbookworm.word...
*A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review! *
# What I liked
Where should I start? First of all, I was glad to be able to continue with the series. I liked that the author got us immediately back into the story! I enjoyed the fact that this time we didn't only have Ember as a "main" protagonist but also her best friend Maddie. It was something different to read about the things Maddie was thinking and that she still cared for Ember even though she disappeared for a long duration and no one knows where she is. Maddie is determined to help Embers brother to find Ember and it's something the reader wouldn't have thought to happen as Maddie and Ember had some sort of crisis during book one. It was also refreshing to read the point of view of different characters and to see how they evolved in the story and how they perceived some things differently than the others.
Most of the time, this journey was very scary but I couldn't stop turning the pages. I had to know what was going to happen. I found myself holding my breath more often than I would have imagined.
Something I also liked was that it was less detailed than the first book. We are already familiar with Trinity Forest thanks to Ember Burning (book #1). So it wasn't necessary to go into full details again in the second book. As Oshun Rising wasn't as detailed as Ember Burning the reading experience was faster and kind of "easier".
# What I disliked
Nothing! The only thing: my curiosity isn't stilled! I need more! I want more! And I have yet so many books to read before!
# Favourite Character
Maddie! She was definitely my favourite character in this second book. I didn't like her that much in book one but here as one of the main characters I really started to like her. And of course Ember.
I really enjoyed Oshun Rising. Even more than the first book. It's a great sequel and I recommend it to every paranormal fantasy lover who couldn't get enough of the first book! It's a bit different than the first but still amazing! You're not going to regret reading the second book in the Trinity Forest trilogy.
*A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review! *
# What I liked
Where should I start? First of all, I was glad to be able to continue with the series. I liked that the author got us immediately back into the story! I enjoyed the fact that this time we didn't only have Ember as a "main" protagonist but also her best friend Maddie. It was something different to read about the things Maddie was thinking and that she still cared for Ember even though she disappeared for a long duration and no one knows where she is. Maddie is determined to help Embers brother to find Ember and it's something the reader wouldn't have thought to happen as Maddie and Ember had some sort of crisis during book one. It was also refreshing to read the point of view of different characters and to see how they evolved in the story and how they perceived some things differently than the others.
Most of the time, this journey was very scary but I couldn't stop turning the pages. I had to know what was going to happen. I found myself holding my breath more often than I would have imagined.
Something I also liked was that it was less detailed than the first book. We are already familiar with Trinity Forest thanks to Ember Burning (book #1). So it wasn't necessary to go into full details again in the second book. As Oshun Rising wasn't as detailed as Ember Burning the reading experience was faster and kind of "easier".
# What I disliked
Nothing! The only thing: my curiosity isn't stilled! I need more! I want more! And I have yet so many books to read before!
# Favourite Character
Maddie! She was definitely my favourite character in this second book. I didn't like her that much in book one but here as one of the main characters I really started to like her. And of course Ember.
I really enjoyed Oshun Rising. Even more than the first book. It's a great sequel and I recommend it to every paranormal fantasy lover who couldn't get enough of the first book! It's a bit different than the first but still amazing! You're not going to regret reading the second book in the Trinity Forest trilogy.
December 17, 2017
OSHUN has everything a young pop star could ever want—fame, fortune, and beauty to spare. But there’s something dark inside of her, rising like the tide, fighting to be heard. Something that terrifies her. Because once she lets it out, she knows there’s no going back.
EMBER is drowning. Fighting for consciousness, struggling to make sense of the strange dreams she’s been having—prophecies of murder, deception, and blackmail. But once she begins to untangle them, she realizes that they might not be dreams at all…and if she doesn’t find a way to stop what she’s seeing, more people will die.
MADDIE is barely staying afloat. How can she be expected to care about school when her best friend Ember is still missing, presumed dead? So when Ember’s brother calls and tells her about his theory about a pop star who may be involved in Ember’s disappearance, she rallies him to take a road trip to check it out.
Rating: 4.25/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: great use of perspective; unique, entertaining story-telling; a little too much "filler plot" in certain places; I missed the synesthetic descriptions, they weren't as prominent as in the first book; can't wait to see what happens next
Huge thanks to Jennifer Alsever and Sawatch Publishing for sending a free egalley of this title my way in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
I was SO excited to jump into this book when Jennifer Alsever reached out to me about doing a review for it... and then my life took a huge nosedive and shot my reading to the deepest pits of not happening. So as soon as I found the chance to crawl back out of the hole, the first book I picked up was this one--and I'm so glad I did! These characters once again took me on an unexpected and exciting journey, though they also made some stops along the way to site-see. I applaud Jennifer Alsever on her ability to take definitely-not-human characters...and make them READ as definitely-not-human. That's a super difficult thing to do, sometimes--to get into the head of a character that is in no way like we are, and still make them complex and distinct enough to stand out. She did a thoroughly awesome job with this; in fact, some of my favorite portions of this book came in the chapters when Ember and Oshun battle for supremacy over their shared mind/body.
The world comes to me in snapshots.
The sound of laughter at a party. A hailstorm of camera flashes.
Reality is like a dream that turns to vapor the moment you try to remember. Here one minute, gone the next. I fight for consciousness as though drowning and gulping for air. When it finally comes, it's too brief and I can't control my body, my speech, my actions. I'm like a passenger on a ship that was once mine, but now someone else is steering and all I can do is watch. Scream silently in my head.
I did feel as if there was a fair amount of filler-plot happening in this read, particularly with Maddie and Jason in their quest to find/save Ember. While I was able to finish this within a few short hours, there were moments I found myself pondering over purpose--I guess certain scenes felt a bit stiff and prolonged to me, personally. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; these scenes just didn't read quite as smoothly as the rest of the book. I also noticed that the synesthetic descriptions weren't QUITE as prominent in this book as in the first--they're still there, and they're still deliciously beautiful, but I felt like they were more "snapshot" than filled out. This might, of course, be due to the way these perspectives are written--and it didn't, overall, bother me a whole lot. Like I said, we still HAVE the synesthesia; I just didn't feel it was as fully detailed as in the first book.
This read is creative, beautifully vibrant, and (at times) super creepy. I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment! The POVs are individualized and easy to differentiate, though some of the scenes came off a bit stuffy or prolonged. I'd recommend this series to lovers of the paranormal, seekers of the unknown/undefined, and adventurously brave hearts. Step back into Trinity Forest if you dare, Penguins, but remember: the trees hear everything here.
July 3, 2018
This is such a perfect continuation of the series. It is absolutely amazing and brings the story so much complicated things. We get multiple perspectives that make experiencing the action complete. I liked everything and every character speaking.
We have Oshun vs Ember. Two different personalities, tied together by so much more. One trying to overcome the other. We have a brother on the edge of obsession, trying to find his sister and a best friend who just does not know how to deal with losing Ember and also her brother. Let’s mention the intense connection between Tre and Ember, their bond, their unbreakable connection. He will do anything to come back to her, to reach her. But will he manage it or will he lose himself in the process?
Definitely this is a great follow up and it exceeded my expectations from the end of book 1. The action will keep you hooked, as the need to see if Ember will be reunited with her family and friends will push you to listen for hours. But as interesting as the main plot is, we have Jared and Maddie’s story also. Her effort in being there for Jared and her struggle to keep up with him are so well described.
I love that we have an inside to the negative character’s perspective. Xintra’s belief, her blind faith in the dark magic and the Annunaki goes beyond obsession. She and Zoe are the characters that complete the picture. We see everything from everyone’s POV. And that’s awesome!
As for the narration, Moira Todd has such a lovely and gentle voice. And her singing is awesome!! I liked that she brought melody to Ember’s lyrics and I liked the emotion she added to her interpretation. Same as in the previous book, I would have liked a little more diversity with the voice changing department. But nothing else to complain about.
All in all, this was great! I can’t wait to read/listen to the next book in the series! Jennifer Alsever is an amazing author and I believe she did such an amazing job with “Trinity Forrest”! Loved it, 5 stars no doubt!
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
We have Oshun vs Ember. Two different personalities, tied together by so much more. One trying to overcome the other. We have a brother on the edge of obsession, trying to find his sister and a best friend who just does not know how to deal with losing Ember and also her brother. Let’s mention the intense connection between Tre and Ember, their bond, their unbreakable connection. He will do anything to come back to her, to reach her. But will he manage it or will he lose himself in the process?
Definitely this is a great follow up and it exceeded my expectations from the end of book 1. The action will keep you hooked, as the need to see if Ember will be reunited with her family and friends will push you to listen for hours. But as interesting as the main plot is, we have Jared and Maddie’s story also. Her effort in being there for Jared and her struggle to keep up with him are so well described.
I love that we have an inside to the negative character’s perspective. Xintra’s belief, her blind faith in the dark magic and the Annunaki goes beyond obsession. She and Zoe are the characters that complete the picture. We see everything from everyone’s POV. And that’s awesome!
As for the narration, Moira Todd has such a lovely and gentle voice. And her singing is awesome!! I liked that she brought melody to Ember’s lyrics and I liked the emotion she added to her interpretation. Same as in the previous book, I would have liked a little more diversity with the voice changing department. But nothing else to complain about.
All in all, this was great! I can’t wait to read/listen to the next book in the series! Jennifer Alsever is an amazing author and I believe she did such an amazing job with “Trinity Forrest”! Loved it, 5 stars no doubt!
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
May 22, 2019
Oshun Rising by Jennifer Alsever is the 2nd book in the Trinity Forest Series. I fell for this series in book 1 Ember Burning and had to listen to this book, and however many more books Ms. Alsever writes. I usually do not read YA/NA but I do love the paranormal genre and the blurb sounded really good, and I was not disappointed. This is not a standalone. You do need to read or listen to this series in order to be able to follow it, and it is well worth listening to the whole series. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
Oshun Rising is just as good if not better then Ember burning. I love when a series just keeps getting better with each book. Some series seem to have a huge start off and then the author looses steam in the subsequent books. Not with this series though. I also like the fact that there is no bad language and no sex in these books. They may be written as YA but even us adults need some clean reads now and then.
Moira Todd narrates the audiobook and does and amazing job. The feeling she puts into the narration and characters is top notch. Not only do you hear the story you also feel it.
Ember is no longer Ember she is now Oshun. After rebirthing she has become a huge Pop Star. She has everything fame, fortune, beauty and attitude. It is 3 years later after Ember Burning, but she is still 17. As she helps to spread the virus at her concerts to take over the world. Ember is just below the surface and every now and then emerges, if only for a few seconds to a few minutes, shocked and lost.
Ember's brother and best friend Maddie are still looking for her even after all this time. Maddie is not as sure that she is still out there but goes along with Jarrod more because she is in love with him then she believes they will someday find her.
When Jarrod texts Maddie and shows her a picture and video of Oshun who he is sure is really Ember the search begins. The 2 head for California to prove or disprove that Oshun is Ember.
This is a dark and super fast moving book and series. I personally cannot wait for book 3 of thsi series.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Oshun Rising is just as good if not better then Ember burning. I love when a series just keeps getting better with each book. Some series seem to have a huge start off and then the author looses steam in the subsequent books. Not with this series though. I also like the fact that there is no bad language and no sex in these books. They may be written as YA but even us adults need some clean reads now and then.
Moira Todd narrates the audiobook and does and amazing job. The feeling she puts into the narration and characters is top notch. Not only do you hear the story you also feel it.
Ember is no longer Ember she is now Oshun. After rebirthing she has become a huge Pop Star. She has everything fame, fortune, beauty and attitude. It is 3 years later after Ember Burning, but she is still 17. As she helps to spread the virus at her concerts to take over the world. Ember is just below the surface and every now and then emerges, if only for a few seconds to a few minutes, shocked and lost.
Ember's brother and best friend Maddie are still looking for her even after all this time. Maddie is not as sure that she is still out there but goes along with Jarrod more because she is in love with him then she believes they will someday find her.
When Jarrod texts Maddie and shows her a picture and video of Oshun who he is sure is really Ember the search begins. The 2 head for California to prove or disprove that Oshun is Ember.
This is a dark and super fast moving book and series. I personally cannot wait for book 3 of thsi series.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 6, 2018
The shifting perspectives between the various characters kept the viewpoint and plot fresh and engaging, and Ms. Alsever's gorgeous, lyrical writing style just flowed like water over the senses. The characters were all vivid and real and some of them were utterly blodd-chilling. There were intricacies to them--especially Ember/Oshun--that surprised me and dragged out some pretty storng emotional reactions. Witnessing the intimate power-struggle between these two utterly different women was...unsettling and even a bit frightening. This kind of complexity, creativity without going overboard, and depth aren't qualities I stumble across in a lot of the YA novels (especially those with a paranormal bent) I've read in the last few years, so it ups my admiration for Ms. Alsever all the more.
My only complaint, if you can even call it that, was the increase in filler. Jared and Maddie's trip was a prime example. Yes, they're important characters and we needed to see their connection to each other and the story, but they took a long time getting someplace important. These dips in intensity/breaks in the action were necessary to keep the bigger picture in sight, I just wish they weren't quite so frequently, especially in the begiing. I occasionally found myself wanting to yell "get on with it, already!"
Moira Todd did just as fabulous a job narrating "Oshun Rising" as she did "Ember Burning" and I hope she has/will also narrate book 3! The audio quality was clean and professional, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Bottom line: "Oshun Rising" was an interesting read and I highly recommend it for lovers of weird, unique paranomral. Even if, like me, you aren't head-over-heels in love with the YA genre, I'd still suggest giving this series a listen.
**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. **
Review first appears on Notes from 'Round the Bend
My only complaint, if you can even call it that, was the increase in filler. Jared and Maddie's trip was a prime example. Yes, they're important characters and we needed to see their connection to each other and the story, but they took a long time getting someplace important. These dips in intensity/breaks in the action were necessary to keep the bigger picture in sight, I just wish they weren't quite so frequently, especially in the begiing. I occasionally found myself wanting to yell "get on with it, already!"
Moira Todd did just as fabulous a job narrating "Oshun Rising" as she did "Ember Burning" and I hope she has/will also narrate book 3! The audio quality was clean and professional, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Bottom line: "Oshun Rising" was an interesting read and I highly recommend it for lovers of weird, unique paranomral. Even if, like me, you aren't head-over-heels in love with the YA genre, I'd still suggest giving this series a listen.
**I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. **
Review first appears on Notes from 'Round the Bend
July 20, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a bit of a happy surprise for me; I liked it more than the first book in the series (Ember Burning), and that book was a pretty easy and fun read in itself.
There were some iffy parts, which I’ll describe now so I can get on to the nice stuff.
Dialogue:
This was still a little stilted occasionally, some things the characters said I wasn’t really sure if they sounded how people actually speak. I think if this book was made into a TV show or film, some of the dialogue would have to be edited to sound more realistic.
For example, some of the character voices were made to be a little bit stereotypical, or what I assume the author thinks of as ‘teen speak’. Things like ‘smokin’ hot chick’ etc.
These took me out of the story a little, and made them sound a little less genuine to me.
Showing vs Telling:
There was a little bit too much telling rather than showing in exposition. For example: ‘You read that diary on us that Ember had that used to be her mom’s.” Usually people don’t put that much information in if they think that the other person will get what they mean if they just say “the diary”.
This happened a few times in the book, sometimes I think just to forward the plot, as there was already a big ominous unexplained ‘dark day’ thing that was mentioned a LOT for something that we were clearly never going to get an explanation for. Therefore maybe the exposition was needed just so not everything was kept a mystery.
But even so, I would have still liked a lot more ‘show’ in the writing. It would have made it feel more like I was in the story and less like I was having someone explain the plot to me in a reasonably descriptive way.
Anyway, now onto the things I did enjoy.
Multiple POV:
Sometimes with a mystery based plot, a multiple POV can just be frustrating when some plot points are revealed in one but then are painfully slow to be revealed in another. This just makes me want to skip a bunch of pages until it’s finally revealed, so I don’t enjoy reading it as much.
Oshun Rising didn’t have that problem for me. It allowed some snippets of plot in one POV, while keeping the others close enough to figuring it out that I was happy to stay in suspense. It was also nice to see Ember’s best friend’s point of view, since we barely got to see her in the first book in this series.
We actually get to see her bond with Ember and Ember’s brother’s love for her, making her disappearance in the first book finally have the jolt of sadness to it that it was missing the first time around.
Evil side of things:
I still didn’t quite understand what was happening during the ‘rebirth’ process, but this time it had more of an external viewpoint and a bit more detail, so it really felt like a ritual as opposed to a confusing event.
Also the antagonist of the series had her own viewpoint, which added to the horror feel of things by allowing us to actually see how unfeeling and remorseless she is in regards to our characters wellbeing.
Overall, the plot was more interesting, complicated, and mysterious, there was a little more risk involved, and I was more hooked with this book than I had been with the previous. The only way is up!
(3.5 stars!)
Edited version of this review is on my blog!
This book was a bit of a happy surprise for me; I liked it more than the first book in the series (Ember Burning), and that book was a pretty easy and fun read in itself.
There were some iffy parts, which I’ll describe now so I can get on to the nice stuff.
Dialogue:
This was still a little stilted occasionally, some things the characters said I wasn’t really sure if they sounded how people actually speak. I think if this book was made into a TV show or film, some of the dialogue would have to be edited to sound more realistic.
For example, some of the character voices were made to be a little bit stereotypical, or what I assume the author thinks of as ‘teen speak’. Things like ‘smokin’ hot chick’ etc.
These took me out of the story a little, and made them sound a little less genuine to me.
Showing vs Telling:
There was a little bit too much telling rather than showing in exposition. For example: ‘You read that diary on us that Ember had that used to be her mom’s.” Usually people don’t put that much information in if they think that the other person will get what they mean if they just say “the diary”.
This happened a few times in the book, sometimes I think just to forward the plot, as there was already a big ominous unexplained ‘dark day’ thing that was mentioned a LOT for something that we were clearly never going to get an explanation for. Therefore maybe the exposition was needed just so not everything was kept a mystery.
But even so, I would have still liked a lot more ‘show’ in the writing. It would have made it feel more like I was in the story and less like I was having someone explain the plot to me in a reasonably descriptive way.
Anyway, now onto the things I did enjoy.
Multiple POV:
Sometimes with a mystery based plot, a multiple POV can just be frustrating when some plot points are revealed in one but then are painfully slow to be revealed in another. This just makes me want to skip a bunch of pages until it’s finally revealed, so I don’t enjoy reading it as much.
Oshun Rising didn’t have that problem for me. It allowed some snippets of plot in one POV, while keeping the others close enough to figuring it out that I was happy to stay in suspense. It was also nice to see Ember’s best friend’s point of view, since we barely got to see her in the first book in this series.
We actually get to see her bond with Ember and Ember’s brother’s love for her, making her disappearance in the first book finally have the jolt of sadness to it that it was missing the first time around.
Evil side of things:
I still didn’t quite understand what was happening during the ‘rebirth’ process, but this time it had more of an external viewpoint and a bit more detail, so it really felt like a ritual as opposed to a confusing event.
Also the antagonist of the series had her own viewpoint, which added to the horror feel of things by allowing us to actually see how unfeeling and remorseless she is in regards to our characters wellbeing.
Overall, the plot was more interesting, complicated, and mysterious, there was a little more risk involved, and I was more hooked with this book than I had been with the previous. The only way is up!
(3.5 stars!)
Edited version of this review is on my blog!
July 3, 2018
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
I listened to Ember Burning, the first book in the Trinity Forest series and was glad I had Oshun Rising to listen to right after it because I had to find out what was going to happen!
Ember is no longer supposed to exist. She's been "reborn" as the pop star Oshun. But her rebirth was rushed, she didn't want it, and mistakes were made. So Ember still exists somewhere deep down in Oshun and occasionally, Ember gets a glimpse of what is going on.
Ember's brother Jared has never given up on finding her. When he calls Ember's best friend Maddie she's concerned about his obsession with finding Ember after three years have passed. She decides a road trip might be what he needs and they end up going to one of Oshun's concerts. Poor Maddie is trying to help Jared and she realizes that she loves him, but she's afraid she's going to lose Jared along with Ember.
Jennifer Alsever does a great job at expressing Maddie's thoughts and feelings as well as her confusion when trying to deal with Jared and Oshun. The narrator, Moira Todd, also does well and has good timing and a good singing voice as Oshun/Ember.
Oshun Rising has a little bit of everything: paranormal, fantasy, horror, romance, drama, and humor. I can't wait until I have the time to listen to the third book in the series. Oshun Rising stops at a good place but the world is still at risk!
I listened to Ember Burning, the first book in the Trinity Forest series and was glad I had Oshun Rising to listen to right after it because I had to find out what was going to happen!
Ember is no longer supposed to exist. She's been "reborn" as the pop star Oshun. But her rebirth was rushed, she didn't want it, and mistakes were made. So Ember still exists somewhere deep down in Oshun and occasionally, Ember gets a glimpse of what is going on.
Ember's brother Jared has never given up on finding her. When he calls Ember's best friend Maddie she's concerned about his obsession with finding Ember after three years have passed. She decides a road trip might be what he needs and they end up going to one of Oshun's concerts. Poor Maddie is trying to help Jared and she realizes that she loves him, but she's afraid she's going to lose Jared along with Ember.
Jennifer Alsever does a great job at expressing Maddie's thoughts and feelings as well as her confusion when trying to deal with Jared and Oshun. The narrator, Moira Todd, also does well and has good timing and a good singing voice as Oshun/Ember.
Oshun Rising has a little bit of everything: paranormal, fantasy, horror, romance, drama, and humor. I can't wait until I have the time to listen to the third book in the series. Oshun Rising stops at a good place but the world is still at risk!
July 8, 2018
This is the second book in the Trinity Forest series by Jennifer Alsever and was every bit as good as Ember Burning.
I would certainly say that these books need to be read in order because they will make little sense if read out of order.
This story picks up where book 1 leaves off and switches between the Trinity world and the everyday world. We spend a lot of time with Embers brother Jarrod and Maddy, her best friend. Jarrod is obsessed with finding his missing sister who has been missing for 3 years and makes the connection between her and Oshun. This is a really difficult book to explain, as it is very involved. Major things are happening in the Trinity world but again, I don’t want to give any spoilers.
This is a very cleverly written and hugely imaginative story and I am so eager for the third book in this trilogy.
My opinion on Moira Todd’s narration in Oshun Rising is every bit as impressive as her vocal acting in Ember Rising. The narration is clear and crips, she sounds age appropriate, her performance captures the characters personalities and emotions with every word spoken. Both Male and female voices are well acted and easily recognisable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily curl up with more work by Jennifer Alsever. I would also like to listen to more work by Moira Todd.
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
I would certainly say that these books need to be read in order because they will make little sense if read out of order.
This story picks up where book 1 leaves off and switches between the Trinity world and the everyday world. We spend a lot of time with Embers brother Jarrod and Maddy, her best friend. Jarrod is obsessed with finding his missing sister who has been missing for 3 years and makes the connection between her and Oshun. This is a really difficult book to explain, as it is very involved. Major things are happening in the Trinity world but again, I don’t want to give any spoilers.
This is a very cleverly written and hugely imaginative story and I am so eager for the third book in this trilogy.
My opinion on Moira Todd’s narration in Oshun Rising is every bit as impressive as her vocal acting in Ember Rising. The narration is clear and crips, she sounds age appropriate, her performance captures the characters personalities and emotions with every word spoken. Both Male and female voices are well acted and easily recognisable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily curl up with more work by Jennifer Alsever. I would also like to listen to more work by Moira Todd.
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
July 5, 2018
I am personally very, very picky over sequels! I actually LOVED this book so much more than the first one! This sequel doesn't even feel like a sequel! It is a strong book, with a lot of story to tell. It's not the typical outcast of a series that usually happens with a sequel.
The story that started in the first book, Ember's journey, continues on through the views and voices of the people who love and miss her...
I really enjoyed the depth of this fantasy. This story, while built in a contemporary world, has so many twists and turns that the set up to write it must have taken a lot of time and effort. You can tell how well crafted this world and story line are. I love that this story is plot driven, but also VERY character driven. I found myself rooting for Ember to fight her way back to reality.
But I think my favorite character in this book was the "villian", Xintra. I was so intrigued by her story and the things that developed out of this book that circled around her. I loved getting her and Zoe's side of things this time around. Things made more sense, getting their side of the story.
The narrator also does a fabulous job discerning the voices in this book! Such a great job, and much appreciated because a multiple POV in audio can be hard to follow if not narrated well.
The story that started in the first book, Ember's journey, continues on through the views and voices of the people who love and miss her...
I really enjoyed the depth of this fantasy. This story, while built in a contemporary world, has so many twists and turns that the set up to write it must have taken a lot of time and effort. You can tell how well crafted this world and story line are. I love that this story is plot driven, but also VERY character driven. I found myself rooting for Ember to fight her way back to reality.
But I think my favorite character in this book was the "villian", Xintra. I was so intrigued by her story and the things that developed out of this book that circled around her. I loved getting her and Zoe's side of things this time around. Things made more sense, getting their side of the story.
The narrator also does a fabulous job discerning the voices in this book! Such a great job, and much appreciated because a multiple POV in audio can be hard to follow if not narrated well.
June 30, 2018
I received these audiobooks as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of these audiobooks did not affect my opinion of them.
Oshun Rising is the second book in the series, you can read my review of Ember Burning.
The second book shakes things up by being a multiple point-of-view compilations, giving us the story from every angle. We hear from Oshun, the new pop star that is eerily similar to the girl who disappeared, Ember. We also have glimpses of Ember, as she tries to figure out where she is and why she is always blacking out. We get to learn what the evil plan is from the villainess herself and find out more about this ancient Egyptian witchcraft.
What was awesome about the multiple POV presentation was how well each character was narrated. Each person had their own sound, accent, voice, and mood. Props to our narrator for this book.
The book continues to have the lovely writing style and descriptions of the first, while building on in style with the changes in perspective.
This book ended with a "let's get them" from both sides, so I'm super curious to see how it all ties up. A great listen, enjoyable and exciting and keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
Oshun Rising is the second book in the series, you can read my review of Ember Burning.
The second book shakes things up by being a multiple point-of-view compilations, giving us the story from every angle. We hear from Oshun, the new pop star that is eerily similar to the girl who disappeared, Ember. We also have glimpses of Ember, as she tries to figure out where she is and why she is always blacking out. We get to learn what the evil plan is from the villainess herself and find out more about this ancient Egyptian witchcraft.
What was awesome about the multiple POV presentation was how well each character was narrated. Each person had their own sound, accent, voice, and mood. Props to our narrator for this book.
The book continues to have the lovely writing style and descriptions of the first, while building on in style with the changes in perspective.
This book ended with a "let's get them" from both sides, so I'm super curious to see how it all ties up. A great listen, enjoyable and exciting and keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
June 21, 2019
This was a great sequel that was even darker than the first! Ember has been missing for three years and her brother Jarod and best friend Maddie haven’t given up hope. Oshun and Ember are one in the same, but are completely different. Ember is still drowning in her depression from her parents death and has to find her way to the surface while Oshun revels in death. This story was twisted, haunting, heartbreaking, and beautiful as it switched from each POV to tell its tale.
Moira did a great job with this narration! It felt more like a performance than a reading in this installment and she really brought every emotion and character to life. Once again she sang throughout the book and it was hauntingly beautiful. She pulled me in from the start and wouldn’t let go.
*I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Moira did a great job with this narration! It felt more like a performance than a reading in this installment and she really brought every emotion and character to life. Once again she sang throughout the book and it was hauntingly beautiful. She pulled me in from the start and wouldn’t let go.
*I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 24, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
This book picked up right where the 1st one ended. It is absolutely fascinating that they completely remake Ember into the popstar Oshun. Since it happened sooner than it was supposed to, we witness Ember's journey as she tries to find herself again. I liked the aspect of Ember's brother and best friend being so devoted to find her. The author answered some questions but ultimately leaves you wanting way more.
This narrator did a fantastic job on the 1st novel and provided an equivalent performance for book 2. She kept character voices consistent between the two books and was pleasant to listen to. I like that the age of her voice seems to match Ember's age as a character.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review
This book picked up right where the 1st one ended. It is absolutely fascinating that they completely remake Ember into the popstar Oshun. Since it happened sooner than it was supposed to, we witness Ember's journey as she tries to find herself again. I liked the aspect of Ember's brother and best friend being so devoted to find her. The author answered some questions but ultimately leaves you wanting way more.
This narrator did a fantastic job on the 1st novel and provided an equivalent performance for book 2. She kept character voices consistent between the two books and was pleasant to listen to. I like that the age of her voice seems to match Ember's age as a character.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review
August 17, 2019
Ember feel like she’s lost in a sea of nothingness. Then at times she is herself, but she doesn't know how she got into a limo or why there are people taking her picture. She has forgotten her rebirth, but then she fades into nothingness again….
Her brother has been trying to find Ember since she disapeared 3 years ago. And he’s found a friend and ally in Ember’s best friend Maddy. Together they try to solve the mystery of where Ember disappeared to.
Book one was amazing! And this one was just as good. My only complaint is that when Ember became the new personality, she was such a bitch. I am glad of how this book turned out though. I am rooting for Ember!
On to book 3. I am so glad I can snag it on kindle unlimited!
4 stars for Oshun Rising
*I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Her brother has been trying to find Ember since she disapeared 3 years ago. And he’s found a friend and ally in Ember’s best friend Maddy. Together they try to solve the mystery of where Ember disappeared to.
Book one was amazing! And this one was just as good. My only complaint is that when Ember became the new personality, she was such a bitch. I am glad of how this book turned out though. I am rooting for Ember!
On to book 3. I am so glad I can snag it on kindle unlimited!
4 stars for Oshun Rising
*I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 29, 2018
Wow, wow, wow!
Oshun Rising by Jennifer Alsever jumped right back in where Ember Burning left off and it is action packed from the beginning!
As this is the second in a trilogy I won't go into the storyline (spoilers!) but I will say that while I really enjoyed Ember Burning, I think I preferred Oshun Rising just a tiny bit more due to each chapter having a different POV. I also liked that, rather than being based solely in Trinity Forest, the story branched out this time via road trips and parties.
Jennifer Alsever has such a gift for writing and if you are a fan of original fantasy tales you must buy a copy of this trilogy!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a free copy of Oshun Rising!
Oshun Rising by Jennifer Alsever jumped right back in where Ember Burning left off and it is action packed from the beginning!
As this is the second in a trilogy I won't go into the storyline (spoilers!) but I will say that while I really enjoyed Ember Burning, I think I preferred Oshun Rising just a tiny bit more due to each chapter having a different POV. I also liked that, rather than being based solely in Trinity Forest, the story branched out this time via road trips and parties.
Jennifer Alsever has such a gift for writing and if you are a fan of original fantasy tales you must buy a copy of this trilogy!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a free copy of Oshun Rising!
December 7, 2018
Wow! What a fantastic series. Loved this one even more than book one.
So many layers of complexity, so many questions answered and then many more we'll need book 3 to answer.
Love all the connections, all the layers and how much each character's journey is tied into the story and each other. So glad I go all 3 books at the same time because I would have a heck of a time waiting in between.
Narrator did a great job, specially considering that there are so many characters with active POVs in this series.
So many layers of complexity, so many questions answered and then many more we'll need book 3 to answer.
Love all the connections, all the layers and how much each character's journey is tied into the story and each other. So glad I go all 3 books at the same time because I would have a heck of a time waiting in between.
Narrator did a great job, specially considering that there are so many characters with active POVs in this series.
July 12, 2019
Oshun Rising is the second book in the Trinity Forest series, which is completely original and unlike anything I’ve ever read/listened to before. I’ve just been completely blown away by this series so far, and am telling anyone who will listen that they need to read these books.
I don’t know what’s coming in the third book, but if it’s anything like the first two, then I will consider this series to be a modern day classic, at least in my mind.
If you’re reading this review right now, stop what you’re doing and start reading the Trinity Forest series. You will thank me!
I don’t know what’s coming in the third book, but if it’s anything like the first two, then I will consider this series to be a modern day classic, at least in my mind.
If you’re reading this review right now, stop what you’re doing and start reading the Trinity Forest series. You will thank me!
April 25, 2018
Oshun Rising gave off totally different vibes than Ember Burning, the first in the trilogy. Even though the cozy, creepy feel of the first one was almost absent in this one with little presence in Trinity Forest, it still demanded attention and easily became its own universe. It was a fascinating and quick read. I managed to finish in two days and really loved it. It left me wanting more and I can’t wait to read the last book!
July 22, 2020
As addictive as the first book in this series. This one takes readers deeper into what happens to those who enter Trinity Forest. It's a very scary process, particularly when you see what happens to Ember. The creep factor is higher, there's no letdown in the story and you're salivating for the third book when you close the cover.
March 11, 2019
I loved Ember Burning, and Oshun does not disappoint as a sequel. I loved getting to know Ember better and I'm a sucker for the romance element (which does not overpower the story). As well, Oshun gets good and wicked! Loved it!
July 12, 2019
Oshun was a stressful journey to go on. I was so scared for her throughout most of the book. My nerves were on edge for Jared and Mads as well. The way things turned out is definitely not what I expected!
*I requested this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
*I requested this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
February 19, 2021
audible:I enjoyed this book.It picks up with the search for Ember,who has gone missing.There is a certain pop star that resembles her.Could it BE Ember?Moira Todd was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
June 30, 2018
An interesting fantasy series.
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