Rise

Rift began the discussion of the war that is featured prominently in the Nightshade series, but Rise takes it to a whole new level. The history of the Knights Templar, to which the Guard Ember belongs, is briefly mentioned.

Ember continues to be an honorable heroine and loyal ally of the Knight of Contatus. She will do anything to keep them safe, including her beloved knight Barrow Hess. She also fiercely protects her sister, Agnes, who seeks Ember's aid. And Agnes returns the favor in time of need. The Knights of Contaus stand up for their home to prevent the darkness from overtaking their land and lives.

Where Rift had some kisses and mild flirting between Ember and Barrow, sexual activity is taken up several notches in Rise. There's some intense kissing, and in one scene, Ember undresses before Barrow. There's an indication that Barrow engages in oral sex with her. Ember and Barrow desperately want to have sexual intercourse, but don't want to risk pregnancy. Barrow tells her that they must find someone familiar with herbs that act as birth control before they can engage in making love, but this never occurs. Alistair fantasizes about seeing Ember naked. Both Barrow and Alistair touch her breasts. Kissing and sexual intercourse between adults is also shown and mentioned briefly. Homosexuality is also discussed. Agnes is pregnant with a child out of wedlock.