As You Wish Reviews: Rising by Stephanie Judice

My Guest ~ Stephanie Judice

Where did RISING begin? Well, it was a dark and stormy night (cue lightning crash)…no, seriously, that’s where it begins, a dark and stormy night. As a matter of fact, if I had to choose one muse for this story, it would be the impending storm and all it represents—fear, power, destruction, and even the hope of its passing. Having been born and raised in southern Louisiana, the impending storm has seeped into my subconscious. When I started to write RISING, I tried to think of ways to implement the natural with the supernatural. The hurricane became the harbinger and carrier of the evil creatures in my mind long before the words made their way to the page. Having given you that little teaser of where it all began, let’s meet the characters, shall we?

Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Goddard is being plagued by terrifying nightmares about creatures that singe and burn the flesh then absorb the life energy of humans and devour the ashes. Spooky, right? Well, it turns romantic before the scary stuff actually begins. A chance meeting with Clara Dunaway immediately distracts Gabe from bad dreams. He has always had a sort of sixth sense—to feel the emotions of others around him. Clara’s presence numbs his other sense, nearly knocking him into a hypnotic state. Bewildered and fascinated, he is lured in by her. When Clara finally confesses that she has a similar gift to see auras around people, a spark flames between them, ignited by a paranormal force. Fate soon reveals that there is a higher purpose for their attraction. Along with Jeremy, the head-bangin’ metal head; Ben, the air-headed golden boy; Melanie, the kind-hearted Creole; and the old hermit named Homer, they must face a terrifying evil as one. Discovering that they are descended from an ancient clan of Norse warriors, they awaken their dormant powers, preparing for the dark giants' imminent invasion of their home.

So the story sounds pretty serious, right? Well, it is actually. But in the midst of danger, there is quite a bit of laughter and, yes, a bit of love. In the face of an apocalyptic event threatening to end life as they know it, there is also hope and a deep, abiding friendship to carry them through.

As for me, I’m a southern gal, born and raised. Some of my favorite things are dark chocolate and red wine (preferably together), Gothic architecture, Masterpiece Theatre, family movie nights, full moons, and sultry, summer nights. Some of my least favorite things are “reality” television (specifically, swamp-related, southern shows that have nothing to do with reality), litterbugs, movie-theater-talkers (just HUSH, people), and know-it-alls. Thank you so much, Julia, for having me here! It’s been great fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by Stephanie! I know I enjoyed you being here today and hearing more about the background of Rising! Love the characters already! I can't wait to have you back next week with Resistance! Oh yes Chocolate and Wine sounds lovely together! As I am originally a Southern Gal myself, Texas born and raised! I remember after moving away from Texas, to Kansas I might add, going from Kansas to Texas on an air plane was a new experience for me. Getting on the plane in Kansas weather and getting off in Texas weather was a bit shocking I might add. This was when I was younger but still I remember the drastic change in temperature and feel of humidity. Oh my! Sorry off kilter here must get back to life now and say far the well, till the next time!

Rising Blurb & Review

Blurb

Having waited a millennium to return to the fertile feeding ground of earth, the dark giants break through a portal and storm out into the world in the guise of a massive hurricane—famished and fierce.

Across the ocean, seventeen-year-old Gabriel Goddard is being plagued by terrifying nightmares about creatures that singe and burn the flesh then absorb the life energy of humans and devour the ashes. A chance meeting with Clara Dunaway immediately distracts Gabe from bad dreams. He has always had a sort of sixth sense—to feel the emotions of others around him. Clara’s presence numbs his other sense, nearly knocking him into a hypnotic state. Bewildered and fascinated, he is lured in by her. When Clara finally confesses that she has a similar gift to see auras around people, a spark flames between them, ignited by a paranormal force. Fate soon reveals that there is a higher purpose for their attraction.

Along with Jeremy, the head-bangin’ metal head; Ben, the air-headed golden boy; Melanie, the kind-hearted Creole; and the old hermit named Homer, they must face this enemy as one. Discovering that they are descended from an ancient clan of Norse warriors, they awaken their dormant powers, preparing for the dark giants' imminent invasion of their home.

A shadow of darkness veils the land. Will the Setti rise to fulfill their long-awaited destiny?

Review

Thank you Stephanie Judice for writing a truly unique story that captivated me from the very beginning. I love the pull I instantly felt toward the group of friends that shared a bond far beyond what I expected. Their colorful personalities radiated right off the pages. I laughed until I cried from their side splitting humor, an unexpected bonus. I felt their emotions capture my heart as I was transported into this terrifying journey. There were many twists and turns that kept my adrenaline pumping. I looked over my shoulder on more than one occasion, fearing something might jump from the shadows and grab me.

Gabe has always been able to feel others emotions and suffers from terrifying nightmares. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to have to endure feeling another persons emotions, while being a teenager and attending school. Lucky for him, he meets Clara, who eases the constant bombardment of emotions. Clara shares with Gabe that she also has a gift, she can see auras that surround others. They have an instant connection that leads them to others with gifts of their own. Jeremy, a loner, soon becomes like a brother to Clara. I have to admit that he is my favorite character. He made me laugh so much throughout the entire book. We also meet Ben(Gabe's best friend), Melanie, Jessica and Homer. This group shares a bond that is like no other. Will they be able to join together to save the world from their nightmares come true?

Be prepared to laugh and even cry. Stephanie has truly created a fantastic thrill ride with Rising and continues on with Resistance. You will not be disappointed! Amazing!!!

Reviewed by Tina Donnelly

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