Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight)'s Reviews > Shadow Rise

I’ve read this book twice (this genre isn’t so much my taste anymore, but I wanted to finish the series that I’d started years ago and needed to refresh my memory) and have decided to rewrite my review to try and reflect my feelings for both reads.

- The first time I read this, I felt it was sort of choppy at first, and I was confused about exactly what was going on and how much time was passing. But, perhaps because I knew more about everything, I didn't have that issue the second time. I guess you just have to trust that everything will start to make more sense and flow more smoothly.

- Weirdly, my first read, I felt the book jumped straight into the action and plot, whereas my second read, I felt it was a bit slow. But still interesting enough to keep me reading.

- Maia's reconstruction threw me off in the first book, but this time she just seemed to be herself, so I found her easier to understand and connect with. And I liked her; she stayed focused on what was important, even when the decisions she had to make were tough ones.

- Riser was still interesting---not quite as feral, but kind of smooth and observant and predatory.

- Other characters were great too, including some new one. Lash was friendly, playful, flirty, and so likeable. Tegan was fun too. I really liked Maia's friendship with them both. I was glad for Maia to have Max back, even if the relationship still needs work. I felt for Caspian.

- There was some great chemistry and tension between Maia and Riser.

- I also liked the different sort of tension, more like a sad frayed tether, between Maia and Caspian.

- A warning for anyone who hasn't read the first book yet, things in this series are very extreme, especially when it comes to violence and dangerous situations. Sometimes things get pretty graphic.

- Both times reading this, I was frustrated at everyone thinking Maia was a traitor, but I was more frustrated at Maia for not explaining anything and for continually doing things that only reinforced everyone's belief.

So a bit of frustration, but overall, I did end up enjoying this book. I liked some of the characters, the touching moments among them, and the intensity of the story as it went on.

*I’ve read this book multiple times. This review was written after my 2nd read.*

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2017 // Format: Ebook*
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2022 // Format: Ebook via TTS*

Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Audrey Grey's Shadow Fall series. Anyone who likes YA dystopian, violence with all the gruesome details, characters who can be feral or cold but also sweet and compassionate, and a bit of romance.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight