Title: The Rise
Author: Julie Plec
First published January 1, 2015
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780373788897 (ISBN10: 0373788894)
Rating: 4.24
Overview
The Mikaelson family has been bound by loyalty and power for a thousand years, but their past is catching up to them. When Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah arrive in New Orleans in 1722, they thought they left their dangerous history behind.
However, the city is a wild and lawless place, ruled by witches and werewolves who refuse to share their territory. Klaus’s infatuation with the beautiful Vivianne, a woman whose marriage holds the key to ending the supernatural war, threatens to destroy the fragile peace.
Meanwhile, Elijah tries to secure a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah finds herself unexpectedly drawn to a French captain. Will the Mikaelson’s past and Klaus’s volatile desires tear them apart, or will they be able to navigate the dangers of New Orleans and remain together always and forever?
About the Author
Meet Julie Plec, a talented TV producer and writer who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has worked on popular projects like the Scream movies and the hit show Kyle XY.
Currently, Plec holds the titles of Executive Producer and writer for the supernatural drama series, The Vampire Diaries. She is known to collaborate with Kevin Williamson to co-write episodes of the show.
Plec’s creativity and expertise have played a significant role in shaping the success of the show.
Editoral Review
Julie Plec’s The Rise is a thrilling addition to the young adult paranormal genre, offering readers a fresh twist on the often-tired vampire trope. Known for her work as a writer and producer for hit TV shows The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, Plec brings her expert storytelling skills to this novel, which was first published in January 2015.
The book follows the story of Olivia, a high school student who discovers that she is a vampire, and is subsequently whisked away to a secret training academy for other young vampires. There, she meets a host of complex and layered characters, including a brooding love interest named Lucas, and must navigate the various factions and loyalties that exist within the vampire world.
While on the surface, The Rise may seem like a typical tale of teenage angst and romance, Plec imbues the story with richly detailed world-building and complicated moral dilemmas. Drawing upon her experience with the TV shows she’s worked on, Plec’s writing style is fast-paced and cinematic, with plenty of gripping action scenes to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the book’s strengths is its character development. Despite being a paranormal fantasy, the characters feel authentic and grounded, with relatable struggles and aspirations.
Olivia is a particularly compelling protagonist, grappling with her newfound identity as a vampire while also trying to maintain her relationships and sense of self. On the other hand, some readers may find the romantic subplot between Olivia and Lucas to be a bit formulaic and predictable.
Additionally, while Plec does an excellent job of setting up the conflict and stakes in the first half of the book, the ending may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied, as it seems rushed and unresolved. Overall, The Rise is a recommended read for fans of the young adult paranormal genre, especially those who appreciate well-crafted world-building and complex characters.
Its themes of identity, morality, and loyalty are especially relevant in today’s culture, and the book’s exploration of these motifs is both timely and thought-provoking. While not perfect, Plec’s debut novel is an impressive accomplishment and bodes well for the future of her writing career.
Score: 7.5/10
