The Rising (Darkness Rising Trilogy #3) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  Release Date April 2, 2013

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they’re quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it’s not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they’re so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she’ll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can’t keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong’s New York Times bestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

Review:

The Rising begins immediately after The Calling ends. Maya and her friends are still on the run from the St. Clouds. Their parents still think they were killed in a helicopter crash, and Maya and her friends are not having it!! They embark on a journey that reveals things, especially to Maya, that leave her speechless and with more questions. As they trek across the country trying to figure out whom they can trust, they encounter another group of kids who have been deemed just as valuable as Maya’s group and whom have been on the run as well. When they join forces, will they finally be able to live their lives as they wish? Or, will they still be under the control of one of the Cabals? You’ll have to read to find out.

I can’t tell you how much I love this YA series. I also can’t tell you how sad I am that it’s over. Yes, there is the inevitable love triangle, but the way it plays out was a very pleasant surprise to me. There was no “I love you, oh wait, no, I love you”. There was actual thought and reasoning and time that went into the decision that was ultimately made. I loved the way Armstrong made her reveals along the way to the kids. I totally loved the interaction with all of the kids. There was loyalty, dissent, caring, love, regret and downright meanness. Other than the supernatural powers, it was totally believable. Because, come on, supernatural powers are NOT real, are they?!?!?! LOL!!

The one negative for me was the ending. I’m still not sure that I dig the resolution at the end, but even that tells me how well written this book was. I finished it almost two weeks ago, and I’m STILL thinking about it. In my humble opinion, if you’re a YA fan, you definitely have to read The Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising series. Saying they are a must read does not do them justice!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.