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Analiese Rising
Half-Blood meets Antigoddess in a thrilling, romantic new series from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Drake.
When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list.
But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.
Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.
When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list.
But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.
Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2019
About the author
Brenda Drake
12 books857 followersBrenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 5, 2019
Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake is a young adult romantic fantasy read that is heavily based on mythology. This one is not set on any one specific era of mythology but instead pulls in characters from all of the different areas with the story centered around all of the Gods.
When Analiese Jordon witnesses and accident she goes to try to help the old man as he lie waiting for an ambulance to arrive. As Analiese approaches though he asks that she not touch him and instead take his bag he’d been carrying to his grandson. Analiese thought it was a strange request but wanted to help however she could so she gathered up his things.
After opening the bag to find out where to return it Analiese finds a list of names within it’s contents and is shocked to not only find her own name but those of her parents and uncle who all died in accidents. Tracking down Marek, the grandson, Analiese is determined that they both get the answers they need with his grandfather’s death leaving so many questions for them both.
Having loved the Library Jumpers series from Brenda Drake I had high hopes for this new novel so I was extremely excited to find it did live up to my hopes. This new series has that unique storytelling that I’ve come to expect from the author that doesn’t leave me thinking of every other YA novel out there. I’m a huge fan of stories using mythology and this one pulling in Gods from all areas was certainly new to me and it had plenty of action and adventure to keep the pages turning along as the story went on. I would be all for this one turning into a longer series and spending more time following the characters in the world that was created.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When Analiese Jordon witnesses and accident she goes to try to help the old man as he lie waiting for an ambulance to arrive. As Analiese approaches though he asks that she not touch him and instead take his bag he’d been carrying to his grandson. Analiese thought it was a strange request but wanted to help however she could so she gathered up his things.
After opening the bag to find out where to return it Analiese finds a list of names within it’s contents and is shocked to not only find her own name but those of her parents and uncle who all died in accidents. Tracking down Marek, the grandson, Analiese is determined that they both get the answers they need with his grandfather’s death leaving so many questions for them both.
Having loved the Library Jumpers series from Brenda Drake I had high hopes for this new novel so I was extremely excited to find it did live up to my hopes. This new series has that unique storytelling that I’ve come to expect from the author that doesn’t leave me thinking of every other YA novel out there. I’m a huge fan of stories using mythology and this one pulling in Gods from all areas was certainly new to me and it had plenty of action and adventure to keep the pages turning along as the story went on. I would be all for this one turning into a longer series and spending more time following the characters in the world that was created.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 5, 2018
Analiese Rising is an all new story from Brenda Drake who brought us the Library Jumpers series and The mated series. Analiese Rising follows the authors signature suspense mystery pattern and is an original unique storyline. The title fits the book which I’m always a fan of! Brownie points 🐰
Analiese lives with her cousin and his family. Her mom and dad passed when she was very little. She’s close with her cousin Dalton, but life is about to become a whole lot more complicated. She is told to deliver a bag to a mans grandson. It’s the mans dying wish and some how he knows her name. In the bag is a list, which includes Analiese’s name as well as other members of her family. Some names are crossed out and the list holds the secrets to a world she doesn’t know exists. The dying man also told her she was in danger. The only way to find out the truth is to follow the clues. Analiese meets the grandson, marek and starts a quest to find out who she really is. She meets some new friends, new enemies and a dark world.
Analiese Rising is a fantasy, Greek mythology romance that kept me guessing until the end. It has action, adventure and a spooky feel. I enjoyed it. It’s a full length story with a happy ending. There is a possibility for more but I was happy with the closing chapter.
As you may/may not know about me I’m a big fan of reading the acknowledgments. Brenda Drake talks about how she connects with the main character, expressing her own struggles with panic disorder. It’s nice to see a glimpse of the author in story and dynamic characters with flaws and all.
4 star out of 5. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Analiese lives with her cousin and his family. Her mom and dad passed when she was very little. She’s close with her cousin Dalton, but life is about to become a whole lot more complicated. She is told to deliver a bag to a mans grandson. It’s the mans dying wish and some how he knows her name. In the bag is a list, which includes Analiese’s name as well as other members of her family. Some names are crossed out and the list holds the secrets to a world she doesn’t know exists. The dying man also told her she was in danger. The only way to find out the truth is to follow the clues. Analiese meets the grandson, marek and starts a quest to find out who she really is. She meets some new friends, new enemies and a dark world.
Analiese Rising is a fantasy, Greek mythology romance that kept me guessing until the end. It has action, adventure and a spooky feel. I enjoyed it. It’s a full length story with a happy ending. There is a possibility for more but I was happy with the closing chapter.
As you may/may not know about me I’m a big fan of reading the acknowledgments. Brenda Drake talks about how she connects with the main character, expressing her own struggles with panic disorder. It’s nice to see a glimpse of the author in story and dynamic characters with flaws and all.
4 star out of 5. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Analiese Rising was definitely one of those books that I was excited to dive into. However, once I did - well, I ended up either bored or excite throughout the entire book. There was no in-between.
In it, you will meet Analiese and Marek. They both are connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether it's Analiese basically being an orphan or being the romantic interest for Marek. He, who just happens to be her keeper and she the riser of the dead. These two were okay characters but if I'm being honest I didn't really feel the whole relationship part. I mean, I liked these two but I wasn't really fully invested into them.
Plus the whole relationship didn't really seem like a thing until the end.. and by then I just didn't care. Other than that, the whole mythology was actually pretty cool. Even if it did get a bit annoying every now and then on who to trust.. because gods are evil and make me second guess myself all the time.
The mystery was an okay kind part of the book. I thought it was interesting that people in her family or that her family knew were dying... but who was behind it all? Now the reveal to the villain wasn't really a surprise to me. Mostly because of mythology books but damn, this was just an eh kind of villain.
Overall, I'm glad that I got this ARC and that I finally dove into it BUT I just feel like I just went with the flow of this book. I didn't really what was going to happen so I didn't really expect anything to really happen. I am, however, glad that I took a chance on this ARC.
Analiese Rising was definitely one of those books that I was excited to dive into. However, once I did - well, I ended up either bored or excite throughout the entire book. There was no in-between.
In it, you will meet Analiese and Marek. They both are connected to something bigger than themselves. Whether it's Analiese basically being an orphan or being the romantic interest for Marek. He, who just happens to be her keeper and she the riser of the dead. These two were okay characters but if I'm being honest I didn't really feel the whole relationship part. I mean, I liked these two but I wasn't really fully invested into them.
Plus the whole relationship didn't really seem like a thing until the end.. and by then I just didn't care. Other than that, the whole mythology was actually pretty cool. Even if it did get a bit annoying every now and then on who to trust.. because gods are evil and make me second guess myself all the time.
The mystery was an okay kind part of the book. I thought it was interesting that people in her family or that her family knew were dying... but who was behind it all? Now the reveal to the villain wasn't really a surprise to me. Mostly because of mythology books but damn, this was just an eh kind of villain.
Overall, I'm glad that I got this ARC and that I finally dove into it BUT I just feel like I just went with the flow of this book. I didn't really what was going to happen so I didn't really expect anything to really happen. I am, however, glad that I took a chance on this ARC.
January 14, 2019
3.5 stars
Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley and the author for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
Analiese Rising is a fun and fast-paced story that takes its reader from the streets of New York City to Rome to Paris.
Analiese, a girl shouldered with grief and anxiety, is shocked when she is approached by a man moments before his death and given a cryptic message. Among his personal belongings she discovers a list with names of the deceased, as well as her own. Analiese soon finds herself thrown into a hunt of monumental proportions, alongside the man's grandson, Marek - the only other person in the world who can help her find answers.
Overall, this story was a little predictable and cliche, but certainly pleasurable with an aire of urgency. Brenda Drake did a wonderful job conveying the haste behind Analiese and Marek's search, as well as adding in fair bits of humor and romance. The almost quest-like nature of this book kept the pacing on point and the puzzles always had my mind working. I thoughly enjoyed the introduction of gods and goddesses, particulary those more obscure and how she blended their traits and talents into the story.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, cryptology, mystery and mythology - this is the perfect read for you!
Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley and the author for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
Analiese Rising is a fun and fast-paced story that takes its reader from the streets of New York City to Rome to Paris.
Analiese, a girl shouldered with grief and anxiety, is shocked when she is approached by a man moments before his death and given a cryptic message. Among his personal belongings she discovers a list with names of the deceased, as well as her own. Analiese soon finds herself thrown into a hunt of monumental proportions, alongside the man's grandson, Marek - the only other person in the world who can help her find answers.
Overall, this story was a little predictable and cliche, but certainly pleasurable with an aire of urgency. Brenda Drake did a wonderful job conveying the haste behind Analiese and Marek's search, as well as adding in fair bits of humor and romance. The almost quest-like nature of this book kept the pacing on point and the puzzles always had my mind working. I thoughly enjoyed the introduction of gods and goddesses, particulary those more obscure and how she blended their traits and talents into the story.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, cryptology, mystery and mythology - this is the perfect read for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2019
This YA novel was a mystery book desperately trying to be a fantasy. The majority of the time Ana and Merrick were searching for clues and trying to solve a puzzle that Merrick’s grandfather left them. Along the way they meet so many gods and goddesses from different mythologies that your head spin. But what made it so hard to read was how much Ana obsesses over her crush on Merrick. I think if perhaps Analiese Rising only focused on one mythology or didn’t mention how cute Merrick was every other page, this could have been more successful.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
November 17, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
DNF at 22%
When I saw the blurb and the book cover I was totally sold on this story. But when I started to reading it, it was just not what I expected it to be. I was not expecting the main character to be so immature. And also the way the story unfolds is just too unrealistic to me. I cannot immagine how a young girl leaves to travel the world with a hot boy (her description), who she only met and not telling her parent or any adult for that matter. The scenes are too jumpy and to me they feel unfinished. Like how for example, this young girl is left to wait for her cousin all alone and not knowing, if he will really show up and then in the next page that is also a new chapter this whole matter is just skipped and not even mentioned. They why bother to write such a scene in the first place? It just makes the reader feel confused and the story slowly becomes more underwhelming. I think had the author connected the scenes more and made the girl more mature I would have loved this story. But sadly due to the issues mentioned above, this is just not my cup of tea.
DNF at 22%
When I saw the blurb and the book cover I was totally sold on this story. But when I started to reading it, it was just not what I expected it to be. I was not expecting the main character to be so immature. And also the way the story unfolds is just too unrealistic to me. I cannot immagine how a young girl leaves to travel the world with a hot boy (her description), who she only met and not telling her parent or any adult for that matter. The scenes are too jumpy and to me they feel unfinished. Like how for example, this young girl is left to wait for her cousin all alone and not knowing, if he will really show up and then in the next page that is also a new chapter this whole matter is just skipped and not even mentioned. They why bother to write such a scene in the first place? It just makes the reader feel confused and the story slowly becomes more underwhelming. I think had the author connected the scenes more and made the girl more mature I would have loved this story. But sadly due to the issues mentioned above, this is just not my cup of tea.
April 27, 2019
I loved this! Started off with some eye-rolling but once the action really started I was totally on board. Full review to come.
December 10, 2019
I was enjoying this story about a couple of teenagers Analiese and Marek drawn together after the passing of an old man. They are soon off on a quest in Rome but these are not normal teenagers as they soon find out. They come across gods and goddesses some will help them and some are out to catch them to get what they have. The two find it hard to know who to trust and they spend a lot of time on the run and hiding out, while trying to solve clues along the way.
I felt the ending came to quickly and I felt a bit lost as to what was happening, I just feel that we needed more information. I don't know if this is a stand alone or more is to come.
I felt the ending came to quickly and I felt a bit lost as to what was happening, I just feel that we needed more information. I don't know if this is a stand alone or more is to come.
November 15, 2018
Sadly, this book was not my cup of tea. I wanted to like it, truly. The premise was interesting enough., and the writing was okay, though nothing special. But something about this story simply did not click with me.
I did not grow to care about the characters much at all, as such I did not feel invested in their journey. It was certainly interesting to have a main character with panic disorder and I am glad that's being represented here. But everything just felt too surface level.
Perhaps, this book would've read better for someone who is new to YA fantasy. Sadly, I do not fit into that audience.
I received a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to Entangled Publishing.
I did not grow to care about the characters much at all, as such I did not feel invested in their journey. It was certainly interesting to have a main character with panic disorder and I am glad that's being represented here. But everything just felt too surface level.
Perhaps, this book would've read better for someone who is new to YA fantasy. Sadly, I do not fit into that audience.
I received a free ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thank you to Entangled Publishing.
Shelved as 'currently-reading-1'
November 27, 2018I received this ARC copy of Analiese Rising from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Entangled: Teen. This is my honest and voluntary review. Analiese Rising is set for publication January 8, 2019.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 23, 2019The premise sounded interesting however I couldn’t get past the first chapter, I even struggled to finish that one too. I didn’t like the writing style, it’s amateurish with short sentences that became irritating very fast.
December 13, 2018
3.5 In all fairness, there should be another book to pick up where this one left off. Otherwise the ending is a major issue.
January 22, 2019
Just when Analiese gets her life back on track, she witnesses a brutal car accident. The dying man thrusts his leather bag into her hands and insists he take it to his grandson. Ditching grief camp (who knew that was a thing), she goes on a road trip upstate to return the bag. Marek and her uncover his grandfather’s true identity. Banding together, they go on an epic journey following clues Marek’s grandfather left behind. The more they uncover, the more danger they’re in. All that Analiese thinks she knows about her life is wiped clean and she discovers the horrifying truth. She’s a descendent of the God of Death and has the power to raise the dead. With gods and goddesses on both sides vying for her allegiance, which side will she choose?
Analiese Rising grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until I read the last word. Not only is it brilliantly written with intense action, a little romance and more gods/goddesses than you can shake a stick at, its unexpected originality made me an instant fan.
Analiese is a sympathetic character and one who’s experienced great loss. Her emotions are stark as is her propensity to get into trouble. Marek is a mystery to the reader but the more I read, the more I like him. The attraction between Analiese and Marek balances the intensity of the plot.
I love reading Brenda Drake stories for their ability to escape my hum-drum life. She weaves fantasy one brushstroke at a time, and I can’t get enough. I couldn’t stop reading Analiese and can’t wait for the next one in the series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Analiese Rising grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until I read the last word. Not only is it brilliantly written with intense action, a little romance and more gods/goddesses than you can shake a stick at, its unexpected originality made me an instant fan.
Analiese is a sympathetic character and one who’s experienced great loss. Her emotions are stark as is her propensity to get into trouble. Marek is a mystery to the reader but the more I read, the more I like him. The attraction between Analiese and Marek balances the intensity of the plot.
I love reading Brenda Drake stories for their ability to escape my hum-drum life. She weaves fantasy one brushstroke at a time, and I can’t get enough. I couldn’t stop reading Analiese and can’t wait for the next one in the series. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
November 18, 2018
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this book. It was fun trying to figure out who should or shouldn't be trusted. I was thrown a bit off on more than one occasion. The characters are likable. There was a bit more romance than I tend to enjoy in my books, but nothing was "heaving" or "throbbing", lol, and it wasn't the main focus of the book. I really hope there will be another one. I'd like to get to know Sid and Dalton a bit more, and of course we have to find out more about Analiese and who I suspect she really is.
January 25, 2019
3.5 Stars
I absolutely love mythology and love when authors mix it into the current world settings. Going in, I didn't know that this book would be so entrenched with mythology so that was a very pleasant surprise.
There's something special about Analiese but she's not quite sure what it is. It all starts when she touches a dead frog in science class and it immediately comes back to life. That's not normal and it's enough to freak a girl out. Add that to watching a stranger die - a stranger who knows her name and has a list with her name, along with her deceased parents, on it. Suddenly Analiese's life is thrown upside down and she's on a quest across the sea to figure out just who she is and what she's capable of.
This book is full of Gods and Goddesses and not your typical ones that everyone knows. No, there were obscure ones and ones that I've never heard of. Every time a new one came on the page, I was trying to solve who it was before it was revealed. Side note: I got maybe a handful. But I loved that! I loved that it wasn't Aphrodite and Zeus and Artemis - all the ones everyone knows. I mean, Ares was here, but being the God of War, that made sense.
And for all you romantics out there, yes, there is a love story. And it's cute. Analiese and Marek were thrown together by fate - so to speak. But I liked watching them come together and work towards solving all of the clues. I also liked that the love story didn't overpower the main plot. It still stayed a quest type book and I was here for it.
This wasn't my first book from Brenda Drake and it won't be my last. I find that I enjoy her writing and her stories. But what was up with that ending? Is this really a standalone because I feel like so much was left open that there has to be more.
I absolutely love mythology and love when authors mix it into the current world settings. Going in, I didn't know that this book would be so entrenched with mythology so that was a very pleasant surprise.
There's something special about Analiese but she's not quite sure what it is. It all starts when she touches a dead frog in science class and it immediately comes back to life. That's not normal and it's enough to freak a girl out. Add that to watching a stranger die - a stranger who knows her name and has a list with her name, along with her deceased parents, on it. Suddenly Analiese's life is thrown upside down and she's on a quest across the sea to figure out just who she is and what she's capable of.
This book is full of Gods and Goddesses and not your typical ones that everyone knows. No, there were obscure ones and ones that I've never heard of. Every time a new one came on the page, I was trying to solve who it was before it was revealed. Side note: I got maybe a handful. But I loved that! I loved that it wasn't Aphrodite and Zeus and Artemis - all the ones everyone knows. I mean, Ares was here, but being the God of War, that made sense.
And for all you romantics out there, yes, there is a love story. And it's cute. Analiese and Marek were thrown together by fate - so to speak. But I liked watching them come together and work towards solving all of the clues. I also liked that the love story didn't overpower the main plot. It still stayed a quest type book and I was here for it.
This wasn't my first book from Brenda Drake and it won't be my last. I find that I enjoy her writing and her stories. But what was up with that ending? Is this really a standalone because I feel like so much was left open that there has to be more.
January 9, 2019
Reviewed by The Teen
Analiese Rising is the story of a girl who finds her name on a mysterious list. This list is given to her by an old man who has been following her just before he dies. At the old man’s request, Ana takes the list to his grandson, Marek. Marek agrees to work with Ana to find out why her name is on the list and what it all means. While on their journey, Ana and Marek are thrust into a world they know nothing about.
Their quest reveals that Ana is a descendant of the God of Death. Thus making her a Riser, which means she has the power to raise the dead. Throughout the book, Ana learns more about who she is along with her power while death follows her.
I admit, it took a little while for me to get into the story. Once I did, I found Analiese Rising to be a captivating and adventurous read. Brenda Drake has written realistic and likeable characters. Ana, like many teens, is finding who she is. As the reader, you can put yourself in her shoes and learn more about yourself just like she does. Marek is the best partner you could ever want. While fighting and helping Ana, Marek is right by her side, even when he is faced with life and death. Throughout the book, Ana and Marek grow close. The scenes are described perfectly. It’s easy to close your eyes and see everything happening before you. Analiese Rising is perfect for anyone looking to read a romantic adventure book.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
Analiese Rising is the story of a girl who finds her name on a mysterious list. This list is given to her by an old man who has been following her just before he dies. At the old man’s request, Ana takes the list to his grandson, Marek. Marek agrees to work with Ana to find out why her name is on the list and what it all means. While on their journey, Ana and Marek are thrust into a world they know nothing about.
Their quest reveals that Ana is a descendant of the God of Death. Thus making her a Riser, which means she has the power to raise the dead. Throughout the book, Ana learns more about who she is along with her power while death follows her.
I admit, it took a little while for me to get into the story. Once I did, I found Analiese Rising to be a captivating and adventurous read. Brenda Drake has written realistic and likeable characters. Ana, like many teens, is finding who she is. As the reader, you can put yourself in her shoes and learn more about yourself just like she does. Marek is the best partner you could ever want. While fighting and helping Ana, Marek is right by her side, even when he is faced with life and death. Throughout the book, Ana and Marek grow close. The scenes are described perfectly. It’s easy to close your eyes and see everything happening before you. Analiese Rising is perfect for anyone looking to read a romantic adventure book.
**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
January 18, 2019
3.5/5 Stars
I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author.
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This was such an exciting book! I absolutely loved Brenda Drake's Library Jumpers series so I knew that I had to pick up this book.
I absolutely adored this unique take on mythology. I think that the premise for this book is incredibly original and thought-provoking. The plotting was delightful. The suspense and the mystery that was unfolding as the story progressed was amazing. It definitely kept my interest. I couldn't wait to see what was happening next.
The world building in this book was excellent. Analiese and Marek visit several European countries on their journey. I felt very much in the story because of the vivid descriptions and flawless detail of the well-known places in the book.
The romance in the book was adorable. I loved the slow-burn romance. Analiese and Marek definitely had chemistry, but it wasn't over the top.
I really liked the representation for mental health and anxiety issues. I personally have an anxiety disorder and it was nice to see that in a character and see how it impacts their story.
I felt that the character development was a little stunted. I definitely enjoyed the story as a whole, but I realized as I was reading the book that I didn't really know the main characters. Sure, I knew of their families but I didn't really know their personalities. A few things were touched upon in terms of hobbies, but it didn't feel real enough. Sure, Analiese liked going on hikes with her father and Marek liked to work out but those things didn't really define them. And their passion for these things is lost on the reader since they are only seen or mentioned lightly. As to what any of their other hobbies, interests, or passions are, I couldn't say. They didn't feel like blank slates by any means, but they didn't feel as real as they could have.
I am really on the fence about the ending. Things came to a close, but there was so much left open. The ending is structured in such a way that the reader expects a sequel, but I have no idea if there will be one. I have seen no mention of a second book or even that this is going to be a series of books instead of a stand-alone. I feel like this book needs a sequel. Having a sequel would very much benefit this story.
Overall, this is a compelling story with plenty of twists and turns. It has a fascinating take on mythology that will captivate readers. If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy story with a lot of mystery and a scavenger hunt, then you'll love this book! I so very much hope that there will be a second book to this story!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author.
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This was such an exciting book! I absolutely loved Brenda Drake's Library Jumpers series so I knew that I had to pick up this book.
I absolutely adored this unique take on mythology. I think that the premise for this book is incredibly original and thought-provoking. The plotting was delightful. The suspense and the mystery that was unfolding as the story progressed was amazing. It definitely kept my interest. I couldn't wait to see what was happening next.
The world building in this book was excellent. Analiese and Marek visit several European countries on their journey. I felt very much in the story because of the vivid descriptions and flawless detail of the well-known places in the book.
The romance in the book was adorable. I loved the slow-burn romance. Analiese and Marek definitely had chemistry, but it wasn't over the top.
I really liked the representation for mental health and anxiety issues. I personally have an anxiety disorder and it was nice to see that in a character and see how it impacts their story.
I felt that the character development was a little stunted. I definitely enjoyed the story as a whole, but I realized as I was reading the book that I didn't really know the main characters. Sure, I knew of their families but I didn't really know their personalities. A few things were touched upon in terms of hobbies, but it didn't feel real enough. Sure, Analiese liked going on hikes with her father and Marek liked to work out but those things didn't really define them. And their passion for these things is lost on the reader since they are only seen or mentioned lightly. As to what any of their other hobbies, interests, or passions are, I couldn't say. They didn't feel like blank slates by any means, but they didn't feel as real as they could have.
I am really on the fence about the ending. Things came to a close, but there was so much left open. The ending is structured in such a way that the reader expects a sequel, but I have no idea if there will be one. I have seen no mention of a second book or even that this is going to be a series of books instead of a stand-alone. I feel like this book needs a sequel. Having a sequel would very much benefit this story.
Overall, this is a compelling story with plenty of twists and turns. It has a fascinating take on mythology that will captivate readers. If you are looking for a fast-paced fantasy story with a lot of mystery and a scavenger hunt, then you'll love this book! I so very much hope that there will be a second book to this story!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
November 16, 2018
I enjoy mythology so I figured I would like this book going in. I like that the story takes you to different locations around the world while Analiese and Marek try to follow the trail his grandpa left for them. It felt like an adventure. The characters were relatable and easy to get to know. The ones who were not likable were that way for a reason of course. The plot did keep me guessing and I never knew who to trust. I'm not sure if there will be more to this, but I wouldn't mind reading more about these characters.
January 14, 2019
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**
Analiese Rising is a young adult fantasy romance by Brenda Drake. I love Brenda's Library Jumper series hardcore, so I was super excited to see a new novel come out from her. Analiese Rising is a standalone novel, but I can easily see a sequel, spin off or companion novel come from this world and these characters, and I really hope we do get to see more into this world. It is no secret that I am a huge fan of mythology, and the awesome thing about Analiese Rising is that this book does not only incorporate one area of mythology, but instead pulls in gods and goddesses from all types and aspects of myth from many different cultures, which was really cool.
I loved that this book set us off on an instant adventure with our main character, Analiese, who finds out that she is a descendant of a god of death. She runs into a stranger that hands her a mysterious list of names. And one of the names is her own. He then tells her that she is in trouble and that she needs to find his grandson and deliver a package to him. I love instant adventure/quest type stories because they immediately draw you in and hook you, which is exactly what happened to me with Analiese Rising. I was gripped from pretty much the first page, which is a big deal. No slow build here. On her journey to figure out why she is sent to deliver a bag to a stranger's grandson, Analiese uncovers a whole new world of magic and mythology. Along the way she meets Merek (the grandson) and their adventure was filled with so much fun. It had Percy Jackson and Meg Cabot's Abandon series vibes, but on a more diverse mythological scale.
Analiese learns more about her powers and about who she is throughout the story as well, which was pretty cool. She is a Riser, which means she has the power to raise the dead. I loved learning about her powers, and seeing her uncover some other secrets about Risers and the Gods. Though there were a few cringe worthy moments with the characters, and although the ending felt a bit rushed to me (which is part of why I am hoping for another book in this world!) I really enjoyed the adventure and the romance. Merek is awesome! I think a ton of characters will love him instantly. Analiese Rising is a really fun romantic fantasy. Perfect for fans of mythology.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Analiese Rising is a young adult fantasy romance by Brenda Drake. I love Brenda's Library Jumper series hardcore, so I was super excited to see a new novel come out from her. Analiese Rising is a standalone novel, but I can easily see a sequel, spin off or companion novel come from this world and these characters, and I really hope we do get to see more into this world. It is no secret that I am a huge fan of mythology, and the awesome thing about Analiese Rising is that this book does not only incorporate one area of mythology, but instead pulls in gods and goddesses from all types and aspects of myth from many different cultures, which was really cool.
I loved that this book set us off on an instant adventure with our main character, Analiese, who finds out that she is a descendant of a god of death. She runs into a stranger that hands her a mysterious list of names. And one of the names is her own. He then tells her that she is in trouble and that she needs to find his grandson and deliver a package to him. I love instant adventure/quest type stories because they immediately draw you in and hook you, which is exactly what happened to me with Analiese Rising. I was gripped from pretty much the first page, which is a big deal. No slow build here. On her journey to figure out why she is sent to deliver a bag to a stranger's grandson, Analiese uncovers a whole new world of magic and mythology. Along the way she meets Merek (the grandson) and their adventure was filled with so much fun. It had Percy Jackson and Meg Cabot's Abandon series vibes, but on a more diverse mythological scale.
Analiese learns more about her powers and about who she is throughout the story as well, which was pretty cool. She is a Riser, which means she has the power to raise the dead. I loved learning about her powers, and seeing her uncover some other secrets about Risers and the Gods. Though there were a few cringe worthy moments with the characters, and although the ending felt a bit rushed to me (which is part of why I am hoping for another book in this world!) I really enjoyed the adventure and the romance. Merek is awesome! I think a ton of characters will love him instantly. Analiese Rising is a really fun romantic fantasy. Perfect for fans of mythology.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 4, 2019*I received a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinions. All opinions are my own.*
I went into this so excited. The idea behind it sounded amazing. There's adventure and mythology which immediately had me sold. However, I ended up DNF at 24%. This was only because of the writing. It just isn't working for me. If the writing were better (in my opinion) I think I could love this. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code a little, in the heroes find clues and travel off an adventure to find out the meaning behind it all type of way. I'm really disappointed that I didn't like the writing more. But as a reminder, just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you too.
I went into this so excited. The idea behind it sounded amazing. There's adventure and mythology which immediately had me sold. However, I ended up DNF at 24%. This was only because of the writing. It just isn't working for me. If the writing were better (in my opinion) I think I could love this. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code a little, in the heroes find clues and travel off an adventure to find out the meaning behind it all type of way. I'm really disappointed that I didn't like the writing more. But as a reminder, just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you too.
November 26, 2018
This is one where the brains win out over brawn. Loved the puzzles/cryptics in the story. Enjoyed learning about some lesser gods and goddesses and from other cultures and how they worked into the story. The story was well paced. The ending was a little rushed compared to the rest of the book and could have used some more info on what happened to who, otherwise it would have been a 5. No instalove for Ana and Marek even though they were thrown together, this was a big plus for me. Overall I can't wait for more in this series.
January 16, 2019
First off, there was a LOT of stuff going on in this book. So many different gods and goddesses from different mythologies from all over the world. Some I recognized, some I did not. But this was really cool! I love when I hear about things I don't know, and then the story makes me want to go learn more about them. And that is what this story did. There was a lot of adventure, a lot of history, a lot of action, and a little romance thrown in, all together these made for a good teenage story. As I read, I was totally thinking about how I'd love to visit all these places mentioned, the Coliseum, the Louvre, etc. I'm guessing that if there are more books after this, which it sounds like there will be, we will get to go to even more exciting places. For one, I'd love to see some time spent in Egypt, or over in Asia with their mythology as well. Another thing I really liked about the story was how Analiese had been taken in by her uncle, and that she'd grown up with him as her dad. I think it is nice to once in awhile see a healthy step-parent situation, when so often there is not. Although I wasn't sure I liked her step-mother, Jane. By the end of the book I still was unsure about her. Although I haven't read Antigoddess, all of the other books this is compared to in the summary are exactly right. Definitely there is the feel of solving a puzzle like in The Da Vinci Code. You've got all these different gods just wandering around, getting in trouble, or even just being a part of the world, like what little I remember from reading American Gods. And you get the teen angst and fighting monsters that is a bit similar to one of my favorite series books, Half-Blood. Definitely a recommended title for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, or mythology of all kinds.
This review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
This review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 6, 2020
ANALIESE RISING is a mix of mythology and The Da Vinci Code in YA form. There's constant danger, puzzles to solve, and the characters travel to Rome and then France as they go from one clue to another. Add a romance and characters with powers in the mix and you have this story.
What I liked:
- I thought the various puzzles were interesting, as the characters had to work through and decode messages to find where they needed to go next.
- I liked the main characters, overall. There was an instant attraction between them, but they resisted in the beginning.
- I really liked that the romance was super sweet. It's my favorite kind. 🙂
- I also liked seeing how their childhood trained them for what they faced.
- I liked some of the side characters, like Lugh. I also thought all the different mythologies and how the different gods and goddesses had different powers or specialties was interesting.
- The overall plot was unique and intriguing... with there being those who had specific powers to fight against the gods and theirs, or to keep them in check.
- I liked the idea of a school to train these kids with powers.
What I didn't like:
- I felt like the puzzle solving went on too long.
- Some things didn't make sense to me in how the gods were all powerful and at the same time weren't. An example would be Ares appearing and disappearing at will, but somehow losing Annaliese and Marek. I felt like it all needed to be more consistent.
- I wish the romance hadn't taken over so much of the story, especially with this being a series. I prefer things to develop over more time.
- I got a little annoyed with Annaliese and her thinking/actions sometimes. She references Marek's grandfather as a serial killer after she knows about the gods and goddesses. Then she gets worried about some things and some people at moments that didn't fit or make sense to me under the situation.
- There were other things too that just didn't logically work for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was definitely an adventure. It stretched too long for me and I did have some issues, but otherwise enjoyed the read.
Content: Swearing (a lot of s-words), gay characters (for those sensitive to that), and some violence.
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher through YA Bound Book Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
What I liked:
- I thought the various puzzles were interesting, as the characters had to work through and decode messages to find where they needed to go next.
- I liked the main characters, overall. There was an instant attraction between them, but they resisted in the beginning.
- I really liked that the romance was super sweet. It's my favorite kind. 🙂
- I also liked seeing how their childhood trained them for what they faced.
- I liked some of the side characters, like Lugh. I also thought all the different mythologies and how the different gods and goddesses had different powers or specialties was interesting.
- The overall plot was unique and intriguing... with there being those who had specific powers to fight against the gods and theirs, or to keep them in check.
- I liked the idea of a school to train these kids with powers.
What I didn't like:
- I felt like the puzzle solving went on too long.
- Some things didn't make sense to me in how the gods were all powerful and at the same time weren't. An example would be Ares appearing and disappearing at will, but somehow losing Annaliese and Marek. I felt like it all needed to be more consistent.
- I wish the romance hadn't taken over so much of the story, especially with this being a series. I prefer things to develop over more time.
- I got a little annoyed with Annaliese and her thinking/actions sometimes. She references Marek's grandfather as a serial killer after she knows about the gods and goddesses. Then she gets worried about some things and some people at moments that didn't fit or make sense to me under the situation.
- There were other things too that just didn't logically work for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was definitely an adventure. It stretched too long for me and I did have some issues, but otherwise enjoyed the read.
Content: Swearing (a lot of s-words), gay characters (for those sensitive to that), and some violence.
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher through YA Bound Book Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
August 29, 2019
Analiese Rising
By Brenda Drake
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list.
But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.
Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.
My Thoughts:
Fast paced, adventure full of twists and surprises. I honestly wasnt sure when i first dived in but ended up really enjoying the characters and plot.
The romance between Analiese and Marek wasnt expected but it wasnt over done and fit nicely into the storyline. The plot was simply amazingly, intriguing and hooked me really early on!! The war between gods and goddesses was simply unique and well written. I loved the use of Mythology and the characters were amazing. The use of the Moths and their signifcance was really unique also, and I loved it!!
What I connected to the most was Analieses' traits. In the story we learn early on that she suffers from anxiety. And the way the author wrote her parts and Mareks were really amazing, relatable for anyone who suffers from this illness. I like the awareness she brought to its effects on the body and mind. Remember if you or someone you know is suffering there is help, dont fear reaching out to friends, family, medical professionals, as well as the National Suicide hotline. There are ways we can help each other, there are ways to feel better...
On that note happy reading everybody!! Be sure to check this title out now!!
By Brenda Drake
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Not. Cool. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list.
But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them. Finding out she has hidden powers? Cool. Finding out she turns corpses into killers? No, thank you.
Now the trail plants her and Marek in the middle of a war between gods who apparently want to raise an army of the Risen, and Analiese must figure out how to save the world—from herself.
My Thoughts:
Fast paced, adventure full of twists and surprises. I honestly wasnt sure when i first dived in but ended up really enjoying the characters and plot.
The romance between Analiese and Marek wasnt expected but it wasnt over done and fit nicely into the storyline. The plot was simply amazingly, intriguing and hooked me really early on!! The war between gods and goddesses was simply unique and well written. I loved the use of Mythology and the characters were amazing. The use of the Moths and their signifcance was really unique also, and I loved it!!
What I connected to the most was Analieses' traits. In the story we learn early on that she suffers from anxiety. And the way the author wrote her parts and Mareks were really amazing, relatable for anyone who suffers from this illness. I like the awareness she brought to its effects on the body and mind. Remember if you or someone you know is suffering there is help, dont fear reaching out to friends, family, medical professionals, as well as the National Suicide hotline. There are ways we can help each other, there are ways to feel better...
On that note happy reading everybody!! Be sure to check this title out now!!
December 7, 2018
“’…Ah, unrequited love. It’s the best kind. The pain is a reminder you’re alive.’”*
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a fan of Brenda Drake’s FATED series and consider myself a mythology buff, so I jumped at the opportunity to request an ARC of ANALIESE RISING through NetGalley.
Analiese is an orphan, who lives with her aunt and her cousin Dalton. She considered her deceased uncle to be a parent, but her relationship with her aunt is strained. A dying man thrusts his satchel at her. Inside she finds a list with her name on it and thus starts her quest to discover the truth about her parents and their dark legacy. Along the way, she joins up with Marek, the dying man’s grandson. Together they solve the ciphers left by his grandfather that forever change their perceptions of the world.
Many of the gods and goddesses who appear in Analiese’s world are lesser known, but there’s plenty of famous deities. Drake’s take on each of the divine characters and world is unique. For me, the sheer number of characters is a bit overwhelming. This is mostly because I wanted to spend more time with each of them. I’m hoping they come into play more as the series progresses. Following the clues left by Marek’s grandfather takes the duo to Europe, giving the adventure a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop. Drake does an excellent job portraying Analiese’s panic disorder. I love how Drake includes a number of LGBT characters.
I enjoyed the book and the sparks between Analiese and Marek. I look forward to the next adventure. There’s plenty of richness in the world to support a long-running series.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a fan of Brenda Drake’s FATED series and consider myself a mythology buff, so I jumped at the opportunity to request an ARC of ANALIESE RISING through NetGalley.
Analiese is an orphan, who lives with her aunt and her cousin Dalton. She considered her deceased uncle to be a parent, but her relationship with her aunt is strained. A dying man thrusts his satchel at her. Inside she finds a list with her name on it and thus starts her quest to discover the truth about her parents and their dark legacy. Along the way, she joins up with Marek, the dying man’s grandson. Together they solve the ciphers left by his grandfather that forever change their perceptions of the world.
Many of the gods and goddesses who appear in Analiese’s world are lesser known, but there’s plenty of famous deities. Drake’s take on each of the divine characters and world is unique. For me, the sheer number of characters is a bit overwhelming. This is mostly because I wanted to spend more time with each of them. I’m hoping they come into play more as the series progresses. Following the clues left by Marek’s grandfather takes the duo to Europe, giving the adventure a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop. Drake does an excellent job portraying Analiese’s panic disorder. I love how Drake includes a number of LGBT characters.
I enjoyed the book and the sparks between Analiese and Marek. I look forward to the next adventure. There’s plenty of richness in the world to support a long-running series.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
December 8, 2018
Analiese Rising is a solid start to what I hope will be a triology or more. Meet Analiese, a teen who has experienced more than her fair share of tragedy in her short life. She meets a cute stranger with a strange list... one that her family members and herself are on with no explanation. In the coming weeks, Analiese's world will be turned upside down - she isn't who she thinks she is, she's got unexpected powers and it's really hard to know who to trust!
In my opinion, Analiese Rising is one of those books that falls into the fantasy world of humans who have powers and there are other non-humans who are trying to influence the real world for better or for worse. What makes this book different is that there are puzzles throughout the book that challenge the characters to use their minds and there is mythology involved. While Analiese is somewhat of a naive character, she sure knows her mythology.
This wasn't a complete home run for me though. Where I feel it felt short was that first, Analiese's character will be frustrating to some people. She's a teen who is, as I said before, naive, and strong willed. She makes some incredibly questionable decisions and some of which could be questioned for her age such as traveling the world without her mother knowing and none of the parents really freaking out at the end. Secondly, there is a ton a mythological gods and goddesses in this book but they really just make cameo appearances.
If' you're looking for a fast, fun, adventure-filled read, you should definitely check out Analiese Rising!
*I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it - all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
In my opinion, Analiese Rising is one of those books that falls into the fantasy world of humans who have powers and there are other non-humans who are trying to influence the real world for better or for worse. What makes this book different is that there are puzzles throughout the book that challenge the characters to use their minds and there is mythology involved. While Analiese is somewhat of a naive character, she sure knows her mythology.
This wasn't a complete home run for me though. Where I feel it felt short was that first, Analiese's character will be frustrating to some people. She's a teen who is, as I said before, naive, and strong willed. She makes some incredibly questionable decisions and some of which could be questioned for her age such as traveling the world without her mother knowing and none of the parents really freaking out at the end. Secondly, there is a ton a mythological gods and goddesses in this book but they really just make cameo appearances.
If' you're looking for a fast, fun, adventure-filled read, you should definitely check out Analiese Rising!
*I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it - all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
December 4, 2018
The beautiful cover first caught my attention, but the mythology theme clinched it for me - I needed to read this book.
Along with Analiese and Marek, I enjoyed trying to figure out the obscure clues left by Marek's grandfather, and the beautiful and sometimes dangerous locations where those clues lead. The pacing is brisk, with little downtime between action scenes. As a mythology fan, the numerous gods and goddesses thrilled me - but so many of them are mentioned, I quickly lost track.
Analiese is likable, and finds herself in many intense, life-threatening situations, but her internal thoughts about Marek's smile or how he looks at her during these moments pulled me out of the scene more than once. Until almost the end of the book, I never got the feeling he considered her more than a friend. Flying across the world with Marek, someone Analiese has known only a couple of days, then successfully hiding that fact from her mother requires a sizable suspension of disbelief.
If a fast pace, nearly non-stop action, quests, and puzzles are your thing, you may enjoy Analiese Rising, but I'd recommend jotting down the gods and goddesses names to keep them straight.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Along with Analiese and Marek, I enjoyed trying to figure out the obscure clues left by Marek's grandfather, and the beautiful and sometimes dangerous locations where those clues lead. The pacing is brisk, with little downtime between action scenes. As a mythology fan, the numerous gods and goddesses thrilled me - but so many of them are mentioned, I quickly lost track.
Analiese is likable, and finds herself in many intense, life-threatening situations, but her internal thoughts about Marek's smile or how he looks at her during these moments pulled me out of the scene more than once. Until almost the end of the book, I never got the feeling he considered her more than a friend. Flying across the world with Marek, someone Analiese has known only a couple of days, then successfully hiding that fact from her mother requires a sizable suspension of disbelief.
If a fast pace, nearly non-stop action, quests, and puzzles are your thing, you may enjoy Analiese Rising, but I'd recommend jotting down the gods and goddesses names to keep them straight.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2018
I adored every page of Analiese Rising!!! This action-packed YA fantasy has it all - mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance. I loved the unique world Brenda Drake created in this book, drawing on Greek mythology. The story has plenty of twists and surprises, keeping me guessing. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I especially loved the characters. Analiese is a wonderful heroine - smart, insightful, and struggling with panic disorder. And then there's Marek - steadfast, supportive, clever - I absolutely loved him! As Ana and Marek race to solve the clues of a deadly mystery, having to rely on their wits and each other, their friendship develops into a slow burning romance. I highly recommend this book - a wild and thrilling ride!
November 27, 2018
If you are looking for a young adult international, mysterious adventure, this is your book! Reminiscent of the, "National Treasure" movies, this journey follows Analiese and Marek around the world following a path of clues left by Marek's late Grandfather. This tale was chock full of more gods and goddess than I even knew existed, leading readers on a twisted tale where no one is who they seem. At times I found myself lost in the numerous mythical characters and I was occasionally stalled by jumping/repetitive plot points, but it was full of non-stop, keep running action. Overall, I enjoyed the quest and my time traveling to fantastic locations around the globe.
*** A thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
*** A thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2019
It was hard for me to get fully on board with this book, but once the action started it was easier to roll with the punches and let go of the unrealistic expectations of a teenage girl traveling the country with the hot boy alone.
Brenda Drake did an excellent job at writing the descriptions of scenes. It was easy to close my eyes and find myself in the scenes she had cast just by her descriptions.
I liked that in the acknowledgments the author talks about her struggles with her own panic disorder. It was nice to get that personal touch in the book.
Brenda Drake did an excellent job at writing the descriptions of scenes. It was easy to close my eyes and find myself in the scenes she had cast just by her descriptions.
I liked that in the acknowledgments the author talks about her struggles with her own panic disorder. It was nice to get that personal touch in the book.
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