Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sexier, slower second Nightshade prequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Ember has fled her home, along with Barrow Hess and two other knights, and they are now being hunted by a rising darkness. But when Ember discovers her sister is pregnant out of wedlock, she risks returning to Conatus. In order to gain access to the keep, Ember decides to toy with her friend Alistair's love for her. Will Ember be able to convince Alistair that she's not a traitor? Can she protect her sister, as well as her beloved Barrow and the Knights of Contatus, from the sinister Bosque Mar?
Is It Any Good?
RISE is an interesting but slow-moving addition to the Nightshade series. It's by far sexier and steamier than Rift, the first prequel, but Rift is more exciting and action-packed. All the political talk in Rise and scenes where not much happens might bore some readers. Yet, it picks up speed toward the end.
Readers will also have fun discovering how the werewolves in the Nightshade series were created, and by whom. The novel moves back and forth between the stories of Ember and Barrow and those of the villains -- Eira, Bosque Mar and Alistair. However, the villians' storyline becomes tiresome, especially Alistair's obsessive love for Ember. Some readers might end up quickly scanning these pages to get to the more exciting parts featuring Ember and Barrow. At times, Rise feels as if its written more for adults than teens, so in that sense it definitely has crossover appeal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Nightshade series. What do you think about the author's choice do create a series of prequels after writing the main trilogy?
What do you think of how obsessive love is portrayed in Rise? What would you do if you knew someone was obsessively infatuated with you and you you didn't share the feeling?
How does having a child out of wedlock during the 15th century seem? How does that compare with how it is today?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : January 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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