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Review

3.5 stars

The fourth and final book in The Rising series brings us to the big climax in the story of four couples from the far land of Triton, prophesised to save the world from a mythical beast. Over three books we have watched the four couples come together, finding love, friendship and an incredible bond, and forging their way forward and establishing stability in their kingdoms. And now their time has come to finally fulfil the prophesy.

There are battles, more big reveals, action, magic, the final wedding, love, betrayals, death and reunions.  It’s all happening, but I’ve gotta say, apart from the continuation of the romance storylines, it was a bit underwhelming.  The build up has been huge, and I was expecting something epic, but even with so much going on I had this bizarre sense of the story being slow moving, while also being chaotic and jumping around all over the place.  There were some big moments, but most of them felt rushed, and then the ‘big’ confrontation fizzled and then was over.  I just sat there feeling a bit bewildered by it all and wondering if that was it, to be honest.

The narrators do a great job, and thank God there are so many of them because they really help to keep the story straight and bring so much life to each of the characters. The Fantasyland crew were all aboard, and we catch up with pretty much everybody who has played a part in the story so far. The blend of almost everybody’s POV allows us to follow all of the different aspects of the story, and while I liked the whole view, I don’t think it was entirely necessary to get quite so much information.

But it’s a great finish for our couples, and I loved seeing them standing strong through everything that they are facing. There are highs and lows, and not everybody we have met along the way makes it out alive, but on the whole it’s a happy ending and of course there is an epilogue which gives us glimpses of pretty much all of the major players so we get to see where everybody winds up, and I really liked that. There is even a hint of another spin-off perhaps?

I have really enjoyed this series. And while I was hoping for a little bit more from this final book, it finishes the story well and I was happy with how it all turned out.

3.5 stars.

An Audio Review Copy was generously provided by Audible in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Rising

 

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