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Hereafter #2
Arise: A Mesmerizing YA Paranormal Romance About a Ghost Girl and Love Between Life and Death
In Arise , the mesmerizing, romantic sequel to YA paranormal novel Hereafter , Tara Hudson takes the story of Amanda, a ghost girl adrift between the worlds of the living and the dead to New Orleans. Amanda has found love with Joshua, a human boy. But as powerful as their love is, it may not be strong enough to break the barrier between life and death.
Evil spirits have been threatening Amanda. She is terrified they will hurt those she cares about, especially Joshua. When Gabrielle, a beautiful girl Amanda meets at the Conjure Café in New Orleans, offers Amanda the possibility of a different life, Amanda agrees to meet her in at the St. Louis Number One Cemetery at midnight. There, Amanda finds a Voodoo circle. Once she steps inside, everything will change.
Evil spirits have been threatening Amanda. She is terrified they will hurt those she cares about, especially Joshua. When Gabrielle, a beautiful girl Amanda meets at the Conjure Café in New Orleans, offers Amanda the possibility of a different life, Amanda agrees to meet her in at the St. Louis Number One Cemetery at midnight. There, Amanda finds a Voodoo circle. Once she steps inside, everything will change.
408 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
112 people are currently reading
9276 people want to read
About the author
Tara Hudson
5 books1,218 followersBorn and raised in Oklahoma, Tara Hudson graduated with a degree in law, mostly because she believed all the horror stories about English majors and their careers in the food-service industry. Luckily, she soon remembered how much she loved telling ghost stories, particularly to her girlfriends who liked visiting abandoned cemeteries as much as she did. Tara currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband, son, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets.
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January 14, 2024
“Jillian,” I whispered, “I know you don’t know who I am. But I love your brother, and I know you do too. So . . . do you think you could wake up? Do you think you could at least try?”
For far too long she gave me no response. I’d just about given up—hung my head and prepared myself for the inevitable, impossible job of comforting Joshua—when Jillian whispered back.
“I guess. Since you asked so nicely.”
In spite of everything, a quiet laugh escaped my lips.
“Thank God. Because I have a feeling you’d be a huge pain in the ass if you died.”
—————————
Alright, so I’m back home and I’m super excited to finally be able to read with more time and finally be in peace! Jet Lag was not a problem thank gosh.
Amelia is, quite indeed, still dead. But Joshua and her are managing to keep their relationship strong and cute as ever, that is until one day, (of course) problems start showing up once again for the couple, since Amelia stars having these weird dreams that consist of dark spirits threatening her and everyone she loves. And that’s not the only thing she’s worried about, since now she has to go with Joshua to spend the holidays with him and his family, where she might find out that her boyfriend isn’t the only one who can see her.
But of course, with this comes great more responsibility with her skills, with her own decisions of either trusting someone or not, and of course, of trying to decipher what this town has to bring for her. Maybe new skills, maybe new friends and evidently more trouble.
———
The plot was fast-paced just like the first book! I think I would have binge read this if it weren’t for me being on vacation with my family, but regardless of that, I do have to say that it was much more intriguing and interesting than the first book, mainly because of so many new events and so many new discoveries of Amelia’s own backstory and condition. And not only that but the book actually managed to integrate so many new topics and paranormal concepts without me getting lost, finally I don’t feel dumb.
As for the content of the plot itself, it was actually really good. I loved the way this book was way more centered on Amelia’s character than the couple itself. Don’t get me wrong, I love these 2 but it’s absolutely great getting to know a character better aside from their romantic side! The Voodoo content and the adding of more characters was something I absolutely needed and that I absolutely loved. Now I did think that at least the first few chapters of the book were quite slow (don’t worry, the chapters are short) but then everything started going uphill and my jaw dropped in less than 5 pages every single time.
As for the main “dilemma” of the story (not to mention anything remotely specific, cause I could accidentally give a little spoiler away), I was in complete shock. Not only did I not see it coming but I was genuinely surprised how it all made sense and connected itself.
As for the characters, I absolutely really loved them. Specially Gabrielle, who is certain someone that Amelia gets to know and gets to bond with quite greatly. Every new character had something interesting and relevant to add to the story, I’m so glad they just weren’t used as mere extras or just used to be… there. And just as I mentioned before, I’m so glad there was more spotlight for the main character; I think this book portrayed her personality better than the first one, since I got to know her as a caring, charismatic, honest and absolutely courageous person. I’m so proud of her, I love her.
Though I’d somehow find understandable if someone didn’t enjoy this read as much as I did because of the lack of romantic interaction, that has really never been an issue with me, so therefore I can gladly say that I found myself invested with everything.
So yeah! This is a really good casual read, thus why the stars rating.
I’m excited to get onto the third book and get to know what the conclusion will be for all the characters, their story, their relationships, etc!
For far too long she gave me no response. I’d just about given up—hung my head and prepared myself for the inevitable, impossible job of comforting Joshua—when Jillian whispered back.
“I guess. Since you asked so nicely.”
In spite of everything, a quiet laugh escaped my lips.
“Thank God. Because I have a feeling you’d be a huge pain in the ass if you died.”
—————————
Alright, so I’m back home and I’m super excited to finally be able to read with more time and finally be in peace! Jet Lag was not a problem thank gosh.
Amelia is, quite indeed, still dead. But Joshua and her are managing to keep their relationship strong and cute as ever, that is until one day, (of course) problems start showing up once again for the couple, since Amelia stars having these weird dreams that consist of dark spirits threatening her and everyone she loves. And that’s not the only thing she’s worried about, since now she has to go with Joshua to spend the holidays with him and his family, where she might find out that her boyfriend isn’t the only one who can see her.
But of course, with this comes great more responsibility with her skills, with her own decisions of either trusting someone or not, and of course, of trying to decipher what this town has to bring for her. Maybe new skills, maybe new friends and evidently more trouble.
———
The plot was fast-paced just like the first book! I think I would have binge read this if it weren’t for me being on vacation with my family, but regardless of that, I do have to say that it was much more intriguing and interesting than the first book, mainly because of so many new events and so many new discoveries of Amelia’s own backstory and condition. And not only that but the book actually managed to integrate so many new topics and paranormal concepts without me getting lost, finally I don’t feel dumb.
As for the content of the plot itself, it was actually really good. I loved the way this book was way more centered on Amelia’s character than the couple itself. Don’t get me wrong, I love these 2 but it’s absolutely great getting to know a character better aside from their romantic side! The Voodoo content and the adding of more characters was something I absolutely needed and that I absolutely loved. Now I did think that at least the first few chapters of the book were quite slow (don’t worry, the chapters are short) but then everything started going uphill and my jaw dropped in less than 5 pages every single time.
As for the main “dilemma” of the story (not to mention anything remotely specific, cause I could accidentally give a little spoiler away), I was in complete shock. Not only did I not see it coming but I was genuinely surprised how it all made sense and connected itself.
As for the characters, I absolutely really loved them. Specially Gabrielle, who is certain someone that Amelia gets to know and gets to bond with quite greatly. Every new character had something interesting and relevant to add to the story, I’m so glad they just weren’t used as mere extras or just used to be… there. And just as I mentioned before, I’m so glad there was more spotlight for the main character; I think this book portrayed her personality better than the first one, since I got to know her as a caring, charismatic, honest and absolutely courageous person. I’m so proud of her, I love her.
Though I’d somehow find understandable if someone didn’t enjoy this read as much as I did because of the lack of romantic interaction, that has really never been an issue with me, so therefore I can gladly say that I found myself invested with everything.
So yeah! This is a really good casual read, thus why the stars rating.
I’m excited to get onto the third book and get to know what the conclusion will be for all the characters, their story, their relationships, etc!
June 2, 2012
I'm so excited, I'm quoted on the back of the ARC!
4.5 stars
This is another fabulous, must read sequel. I loved what Tara did in HEREAFTER, and really enjoyed the direction the story went in ARISE. The stakes are higher in this book, and I felt like Amelia's story took on a more serious tone. It's more emotional, a little darker and has this amazing historical setting in New Orleans, which was the perfect stage for some of the things that happen in this book. I've not been to New Orleans, but I felt like I got to see it first hand through Tara's vivid descriptions of this vibrant city. I loved how New Orleans's rich history played a huge part in Amelia's story and her quest for answers.
Amelia's journey is full of heartbreak and some startling twists. I didn't except to feel so torn and emotionally invested the way I did with this sequel. Tara did a fabulous job in allowing me to understand the motives behind Amelia's decisions. She's battling the ever dark forces that are trying to claim her, her stained relationship is taking a toll on her, and no matter how hard she tries to fight between her ghost life and the human life she yearns for, things never work out the way she hopes. After all, she's fighting against a force that makes it nearly impossible for Joshua and her to be together, she's a ghost and he's human. That's also what makes Amelia such an interesting character. No matter how hard it is, Amelia does everything she can to make it work, and she'll do whatever she can to protect those she loves. I love that strength about her.
Not to out do Amelia, Joshua is just a fabulous as he was in HEREAFTER. I admire his devotion and love for Amelia regardless of the things that go against their being together. The romance is great! Tara rewards fans with some great swoon worthy moments between these two. This story's excitement picks up with the introduction of a few new characters to this series, as well as leads into the more sinister plot line that is uncovered. One of my favorite new characters is Gaby. She becomes that friend and voice of reason that Amelia needs, as she struggles with the two lives she's trying to live. Gaby is one of those all around fabulous friends we all want to have. She's there to offer support, guidance and just be there for Amelia. I love how her back story ties into this story!
The setting is awesome! It's mysterious, alluring, dark and enchanting. I loved the diverse, rich, intriguing world that Tara created in New Orleans for this story. This city was the perfect place for Amelia's journey and the things she uncovers here. The way the history of New Orleans and the "older" residents there were a perfect fit for ARISE. Aside from the story itself, check out this cover! I seriously love it! It's such a perfect fit for this story. If you're looking for a haunting, sizzling summer read I highly recommend picking this one up!
4.5 stars
This is another fabulous, must read sequel. I loved what Tara did in HEREAFTER, and really enjoyed the direction the story went in ARISE. The stakes are higher in this book, and I felt like Amelia's story took on a more serious tone. It's more emotional, a little darker and has this amazing historical setting in New Orleans, which was the perfect stage for some of the things that happen in this book. I've not been to New Orleans, but I felt like I got to see it first hand through Tara's vivid descriptions of this vibrant city. I loved how New Orleans's rich history played a huge part in Amelia's story and her quest for answers.
Amelia's journey is full of heartbreak and some startling twists. I didn't except to feel so torn and emotionally invested the way I did with this sequel. Tara did a fabulous job in allowing me to understand the motives behind Amelia's decisions. She's battling the ever dark forces that are trying to claim her, her stained relationship is taking a toll on her, and no matter how hard she tries to fight between her ghost life and the human life she yearns for, things never work out the way she hopes. After all, she's fighting against a force that makes it nearly impossible for Joshua and her to be together, she's a ghost and he's human. That's also what makes Amelia such an interesting character. No matter how hard it is, Amelia does everything she can to make it work, and she'll do whatever she can to protect those she loves. I love that strength about her.
Not to out do Amelia, Joshua is just a fabulous as he was in HEREAFTER. I admire his devotion and love for Amelia regardless of the things that go against their being together. The romance is great! Tara rewards fans with some great swoon worthy moments between these two. This story's excitement picks up with the introduction of a few new characters to this series, as well as leads into the more sinister plot line that is uncovered. One of my favorite new characters is Gaby. She becomes that friend and voice of reason that Amelia needs, as she struggles with the two lives she's trying to live. Gaby is one of those all around fabulous friends we all want to have. She's there to offer support, guidance and just be there for Amelia. I love how her back story ties into this story!
The setting is awesome! It's mysterious, alluring, dark and enchanting. I loved the diverse, rich, intriguing world that Tara created in New Orleans for this story. This city was the perfect place for Amelia's journey and the things she uncovers here. The way the history of New Orleans and the "older" residents there were a perfect fit for ARISE. Aside from the story itself, check out this cover! I seriously love it! It's such a perfect fit for this story. If you're looking for a haunting, sizzling summer read I highly recommend picking this one up!
Want to read
November 16, 2011I WANT THIS BOOK NOW NOW NOW NOW NOWWWW!!!!!
NOT IN 2012!!!
crazy stupid cliffhanger:
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update: OMG THE COVER IS SOO GORGEOUS. I THOUGHT THE LAST ONE WAS, thank you miss hudson for showing the world not all book covers need to be crappy:)
NOT IN 2012!!!
crazy stupid cliffhanger:
-----------------------
update: OMG THE COVER IS SOO GORGEOUS. I THOUGHT THE LAST ONE WAS, thank you miss hudson for showing the world not all book covers need to be crappy:)
Want to read
August 7, 2011OMG! Am I the only one shitting my pants right now and waiting for this to come out?!?!?!?
September 3, 2012
For me, there’s two kind of books I give low ratings to. Books that I thought were bad, or books that I simply didn’t enjoy. This is the later of those two options. It’s not that Arise was necessarily bad, but that it wasn’t for me. For starters, I believe I mentioned in my review of The Treachery of Beautiful Things, that I need to pay more attention to book covers in order to avoid the whole purity thing. Once again, I clearly should have anticipated a big sex issue with this book based on the puritanical white dress and girl holding some type of greenery. I’m not sure who in our culture decided that white dress and foliage equaled hymen – but they did a really good job convincing everyone else (yes, the ferns represent death, but work with me here, people!). I was thrown off by the ghost part, because I honestly didn’t anticipate a book about a ghost in love with a boy would be all about how to have sex. It just wasn’t my thing – and particularly wasn’t the kind of book I wanted it to be. Which must be really annoying to fans reading this review and going:
It’s not that the writing was bad. I didn’t feel like there were any real technical issues the author suffered from, but the plot took a significant amount of time to kick into gear, which made keeping my interest difficult. Because, you know, if someone isn’t about to have illicit smoochies or die on the very page that I’m reading then I’m bored. And this book started out well because it started out with illicit smooches. Between ghost girl and her boyfriend. So I was simultaneously impressed and disturbed.
There’s a meme for everything, ya know?
But then we get to the main source of tension and part of the driving plot – they can’t…how do I put this politely? They can’t seal the deal, understand? It’s over before the cigar’s lit. The party’s started but the guests can’t come. I have no clue what I’m saying. Look, they can’t bone, alright?
So whilst other, more involved stuff is happening, in the background there’s all this tension on can they, or can’t they do the horizontal mamba. This is probably going to be very interesting, involving stuff for people who aren’t me. The point was always moot because it’s not my bag, baby. I’m more of a The Ghost and Mrs Muir kind of girl. I like my ghost stories to be all about that insanely secret, entirely emotional/intellectual bond. I want that bittersweet, mournful love where it’s already lost before it’s even started. For a dead girl, Amelia sees a lot of action. For starters, her and her boyfriend can make out and touch. A good portion of his family can see/talk to her and they even go out dancing together at a bar at one point. That felt like cheating a little. Being almost entirely intangible, immaterial and unable to touch or shape the world around you is one stable aspect that makes ghost stories powerful. Take that away and I feel like the whole story loses it’s best, most emotionally stirring aspects.
Maybe it’s an obsession YA has with being perfect and getting the perfect ending. When Vampires can come out in the sun and sparkle, when miracles are pulled out of a hat, when ghosts can go clubbing, they start to lose their interest for me. Which is a shame, because monsters and supernaturals, as they are, are the perfect metaphor for the awkward, disturbing, intimidating, frustrating experience that is puberty. Instead you just have pretty people with pretty problems and that’s simply doesn’t hold my interest.
It’s not that the writing was bad. I didn’t feel like there were any real technical issues the author suffered from, but the plot took a significant amount of time to kick into gear, which made keeping my interest difficult. Because, you know, if someone isn’t about to have illicit smoochies or die on the very page that I’m reading then I’m bored. And this book started out well because it started out with illicit smooches. Between ghost girl and her boyfriend. So I was simultaneously impressed and disturbed.
There’s a meme for everything, ya know?
But then we get to the main source of tension and part of the driving plot – they can’t…how do I put this politely? They can’t seal the deal, understand? It’s over before the cigar’s lit. The party’s started but the guests can’t come. I have no clue what I’m saying. Look, they can’t bone, alright?
So whilst other, more involved stuff is happening, in the background there’s all this tension on can they, or can’t they do the horizontal mamba. This is probably going to be very interesting, involving stuff for people who aren’t me. The point was always moot because it’s not my bag, baby. I’m more of a The Ghost and Mrs Muir kind of girl. I like my ghost stories to be all about that insanely secret, entirely emotional/intellectual bond. I want that bittersweet, mournful love where it’s already lost before it’s even started. For a dead girl, Amelia sees a lot of action. For starters, her and her boyfriend can make out and touch. A good portion of his family can see/talk to her and they even go out dancing together at a bar at one point. That felt like cheating a little. Being almost entirely intangible, immaterial and unable to touch or shape the world around you is one stable aspect that makes ghost stories powerful. Take that away and I feel like the whole story loses it’s best, most emotionally stirring aspects.
Maybe it’s an obsession YA has with being perfect and getting the perfect ending. When Vampires can come out in the sun and sparkle, when miracles are pulled out of a hat, when ghosts can go clubbing, they start to lose their interest for me. Which is a shame, because monsters and supernaturals, as they are, are the perfect metaphor for the awkward, disturbing, intimidating, frustrating experience that is puberty. Instead you just have pretty people with pretty problems and that’s simply doesn’t hold my interest.
May 30, 2012
Arise is the follow-up novel to Hereafter. Joshua and Amelia's story captured my heart in the first novel and this story was no exception. I was sucked right back in with Joshua's first wolfish grin!
We pick up with Joshua and Amelia a few months after their showdown with the evil ghost Eli. With that dilemma out of the way, Amelia and Joshua just have each other to focus on with no worries, right? Wrong. With this huge problem out of the way, (or so we hope) the underlying issues of their problematic relationship come to the fore. How can such a relationship survive when Amelia will always be a ghost and Joshua will graduate high-school, go to college and eventually want to start a family? Joshua has a positive outlook, but Amelia is not buying it. She starts to think that taking herself out of his life, even though it would be heart-breaking, is the best thing for him. Also, more problems are becoming apparent with Amelia now experiencing frightening nightmares and uncontrollable materializations. Every time their kissing starts becoming more intense and less chaste, Amelia is swept away and materializes somewhere else. The nightmares are becoming more frequent and feel incredibly real to Amelia, she doesn't know what to make of them or if they have a deeper meaning to her "life." All these issues are put on the back burner when the Mayhews' take a family trip to visit their grandmother Ruth in New Orleans for Christmas. This will be a big Mayhew family gathering with a large group of Seers staying. Any ghost would be nervous, as Seers have the ability to exorcise ghosts and send them away from the living world forever. We get to meet some new additional characters that add interest to this evolving story. I personally loved Gabrielle. Not saying anything more about her!
This story felt like an unfolding mystery and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure things out. Some of the revelations were a little predictable but others took me by surprise. The pace of the story never felt slow to me. Another positive was Ms. Hudson's vivid scene descriptions. From the French Quarter in New Orleans to the ominous netherworld, they were just enough to make you feel like you were there without bogging the story down and slowing the plot. After reading this I felt a serious need for beignets, they sound delicious!
Even though I'm always a little apprehensive about a ghost-human romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I was swooning over Joshua's midnight-blue eyes and boyish grin. As if that wasn't enough, Joshua has a heart of gold. He's so protective of Amelia and is always trying to make her feel welcome and part of the living as best he can. He really wants things to work out. There may have been a heart-pumping, knee-melting kissing scene or two but I'm not telling. I loved little fearless and caring Amelia, too. She's willing to brave a broken heart and loneliness to protect Joshua and his family, and so Joshua can go on and lead a normal life. Because of this, Amelia holds Joshua at arm's length for a good part of the story, keeping things from him, which was a bit frustrating for me.
I thought this was a wonderful second book in the Hereafter series. In my opinion, it didn't suffer from the dreaded "second-book syndrome" in which there is no real progression in the story, only filler. I felt there were several discoveries and plot movement. I like where things are headed. Another plus, even though things are not fully resolved, there's NO horrible cliffhanger. There is one change that I'm not happy about at all; hopefully something can be done about it. As a side note, don't you just love this cover? I do and it fits perfectly in with the story. No case of "cover fraud" here.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this story.
This review and more can be found on The Readers Den
Want to read
November 15, 2011Hereafter had to be one of the best books Ive ever read. It had the most realistic, down to earth characters (haha) and if arise comes anything close to being as good as hereafter was, it will be amazing.
:0 THE COVER IS SO PRETTY!!!!!
:0 THE COVER IS SO PRETTY!!!!!
September 1, 2012
This review is also available over at my blog.
_______________________
Actual rating is 1.5 stars.
How I was the whole time I read this book:
The Hereafter series is probably my least favorite ghost series that I've read. Not because it's painfully horrible. Just because it doesn't excite me in any way. I ended up skimming through half of this book because it just dragged so much, and to be completely honest, I barely cared about the characters anymore.
The plot was a mess. In the beginning we have Amelia being all angsty about how she should break up with Joshua because she might put him in danger. And Jillian, Joshua's sister, for whatever reason was being a bitch to Amelia, even though she saved her god damn life. Then we're introduced to new characters, including this creepy dude named Alex. And then more new characters show up, like this girl named Gabrielle and her brother Felix (who I had a suspicion that he might cause a love triangle, because he has "electric blue eyes").
I just really didn't get the plot at all. First I thought Amelia was gonna "find a way to be together" with Joshua (because, come on, that's what they always wanna do) but then she wants to stop the demons. And then this Gabrielle girl shows up and Amelia wants to save her father and Gabrielle's parents. And then a new villain shows up and they end up having to stop him. Argh, all of it just gave me a headache.
The romance stayed the same as always: boring. But at least there were less of the making out and "fiery" touches, because that crap was annoying the hell out of me.
As for how this book ended . . . pardon my French, but I honestly don't give a flying fuck. xD Like, seriously, this series is just that uninteresting. I probably won't be reading the third one. Or maybe I will, if I'm feeling masochistic, or I just wanna get the series over with, who knows.
I guess I don't really hate this series, no. I think that word is too strong. I just heavily dislike it, is all, and I've lost any interest in the characters and the plot. I'm not sure what exactly I like about this series, though. I guess I'm just adding half a star simply because I don't feel like this is a one star book.
If you're looking for an angsty, cheesy, flat YA ghost romance, then this is the series for you. Otherwise I would not recommend it.
_______________________
Actual rating is 1.5 stars.
How I was the whole time I read this book:
The Hereafter series is probably my least favorite ghost series that I've read. Not because it's painfully horrible. Just because it doesn't excite me in any way. I ended up skimming through half of this book because it just dragged so much, and to be completely honest, I barely cared about the characters anymore.
The plot was a mess. In the beginning we have Amelia being all angsty about how she should break up with Joshua because she might put him in danger. And Jillian, Joshua's sister, for whatever reason was being a bitch to Amelia, even though she saved her god damn life. Then we're introduced to new characters, including this creepy dude named Alex. And then more new characters show up, like this girl named Gabrielle and her brother Felix (who I had a suspicion that he might cause a love triangle, because he has "electric blue eyes").
I just really didn't get the plot at all. First I thought Amelia was gonna "find a way to be together" with Joshua (because, come on, that's what they always wanna do) but then she wants to stop the demons. And then this Gabrielle girl shows up and Amelia wants to save her father and Gabrielle's parents. And then a new villain shows up and they end up having to stop him. Argh, all of it just gave me a headache.
The romance stayed the same as always: boring. But at least there were less of the making out and "fiery" touches, because that crap was annoying the hell out of me.
As for how this book ended . . . pardon my French, but I honestly don't give a flying fuck. xD Like, seriously, this series is just that uninteresting. I probably won't be reading the third one. Or maybe I will, if I'm feeling masochistic, or I just wanna get the series over with, who knows.
I guess I don't really hate this series, no. I think that word is too strong. I just heavily dislike it, is all, and I've lost any interest in the characters and the plot. I'm not sure what exactly I like about this series, though. I guess I'm just adding half a star simply because I don't feel like this is a one star book.
If you're looking for an angsty, cheesy, flat YA ghost romance, then this is the series for you. Otherwise I would not recommend it.
May 31, 2012
This book was soooooo good! It was sweet, and epic, and eerie...it was everything I wanted it to be. Dare I say this is a YA Paranormal book that should be labeled perfection? Yes, yes I think I can say that. *winks*
Amelia and Joshua aren't your normal couple. First of all Amelia is very much a ghost. Has been for the last decade, but ever since Joshua's near death experience and his subsequent awakening of his Seer abilities he hasn't been able to stray away from Amelia. After having battled the demons on the netherworld they thought the worst was behind them. They were wrong...very wrong. Now Amelia is harboring secrets she doesn't want to keep, and has to decide between being with Josh, and keeping him safe. While she knows what she has to do it doesn't make it any easier. Can Amelia walk away from Josh to save him from the demons? Or will she be so consumed by their love that she can't say goodbye before it's too late?
First I have to say that I was a little worried when I started this book because I hadn't read the first one in the series yet. I was afraid I would be lost, or worse yet that the author would do a huge info dump in the first 50 pages to catch me up, but that would only end up boring me...I couldn't have been more wrong! Tara Hudson did a perfect job of filling in all the blanks that I missed from the first book in a way that just flowed with the current story. I was never once lost or ever felt bored. There are no huge info dumps that bogged the story down. Everything just flowed effortlessly. That combined with Tara's writing style made this book perfect for me. I loved the way it flowed from page to page, making it a fast read that I couldn't tear my eyes from. When I wasn't reading this book I was plotting when I would be able to pick it back up again.
Enough about the writing, what about the characters? Amelia is a hard one not to love. Within the first 25 pages I felt my heart aching for her. I wanted her to have a happily ever after in the most desperate of ways. She not what you would expect from a heroin that has spent the last ten years as a ghost alone. She's not all whinny and Woe is me. She's strong, funny, compassionate, and always thinking of others. Especially of Joshua. When it comes to him she is completely selfless, but not in a way that makes you think she doesn't really care about him. You can feel how much it tears her up inside to do the right thing, but she does it anyways. And don't even get me started on Joshua. He is one of those guys that makes you swoon and squee at ever turn. You just want to squeeze him and your heart breaks for him and Amelia over and over again.
Overall I loved this book. I love the way it has the ability to pull you into the story so deep you feel like your there, living it with them. This is a must read!
Amelia and Joshua aren't your normal couple. First of all Amelia is very much a ghost. Has been for the last decade, but ever since Joshua's near death experience and his subsequent awakening of his Seer abilities he hasn't been able to stray away from Amelia. After having battled the demons on the netherworld they thought the worst was behind them. They were wrong...very wrong. Now Amelia is harboring secrets she doesn't want to keep, and has to decide between being with Josh, and keeping him safe. While she knows what she has to do it doesn't make it any easier. Can Amelia walk away from Josh to save him from the demons? Or will she be so consumed by their love that she can't say goodbye before it's too late?
First I have to say that I was a little worried when I started this book because I hadn't read the first one in the series yet. I was afraid I would be lost, or worse yet that the author would do a huge info dump in the first 50 pages to catch me up, but that would only end up boring me...I couldn't have been more wrong! Tara Hudson did a perfect job of filling in all the blanks that I missed from the first book in a way that just flowed with the current story. I was never once lost or ever felt bored. There are no huge info dumps that bogged the story down. Everything just flowed effortlessly. That combined with Tara's writing style made this book perfect for me. I loved the way it flowed from page to page, making it a fast read that I couldn't tear my eyes from. When I wasn't reading this book I was plotting when I would be able to pick it back up again.
Enough about the writing, what about the characters? Amelia is a hard one not to love. Within the first 25 pages I felt my heart aching for her. I wanted her to have a happily ever after in the most desperate of ways. She not what you would expect from a heroin that has spent the last ten years as a ghost alone. She's not all whinny and Woe is me. She's strong, funny, compassionate, and always thinking of others. Especially of Joshua. When it comes to him she is completely selfless, but not in a way that makes you think she doesn't really care about him. You can feel how much it tears her up inside to do the right thing, but she does it anyways. And don't even get me started on Joshua. He is one of those guys that makes you swoon and squee at ever turn. You just want to squeeze him and your heart breaks for him and Amelia over and over again.
Overall I loved this book. I love the way it has the ability to pull you into the story so deep you feel like your there, living it with them. This is a must read!
February 5, 2012
Warning: this review might contain spoilers for those of you who have not read the first book.
I read Hereafter last year when it first came out, and I loved it. It was an amazing paranormal book. After reading the first book, I knew I just have to get Arise, and I’m happy I didn’t have to wait till June (thanks to Kristina @ Ladybug Storytime). Arise starts without any filler, and kept getting better and better as I turned the pages. This book was fantastic! I didn’t think it was possible for me to love this more than Hereafter, but I did. It was just brilliant. The storyline was more original, more suspenseful and more than I expected after loving Hereafter.
The more Amelia kept fighting for her relationship with Joshua, the more things seem to go the opposite way. While visiting Joshua’s relative at New Orleans, both Amelia and Joshua try to find answers for Amelia’s dreams/nightmares. It led them to a girl, Gabriella, and left them with more questions than answers. When things go wrong with Gaby’s help, it left Amelia to choose between staying (for love) and leaving (for the safety of her loved ones).
After I read a few pages I was hooked (again) back to the world of Amelia and Joshua. I loved Amelia’s sense of humor and sarcasm in this book. I felt for both Amelia and Joshua. Their relationship is so fragile, real, and romantic. Absolutely amazing. I <3 Joshua and Amelia! The unique story was filled with new romance and action, making it difficult to guess what might happen next.
Arise is a suspenseful, poignant, heartwarming and beautiful book that will keep you on the edge. This is a book you'll never want to put down, and it will leave you wanting more from Amelia and Joshua. Arise is about love, friendship and sacrifice—it left me craving for more; I WANT the third book now. I’m trying really hard not to think about the fact that I have to wait almost two years for the third book to come out.
All in all, the pacing was good, the characters were good, the romantic tension was great, and the plot had some nice twists. Arise is a great read.
More of my book reviews @ The Sagacity Quest
I read Hereafter last year when it first came out, and I loved it. It was an amazing paranormal book. After reading the first book, I knew I just have to get Arise, and I’m happy I didn’t have to wait till June (thanks to Kristina @ Ladybug Storytime). Arise starts without any filler, and kept getting better and better as I turned the pages. This book was fantastic! I didn’t think it was possible for me to love this more than Hereafter, but I did. It was just brilliant. The storyline was more original, more suspenseful and more than I expected after loving Hereafter.
The more Amelia kept fighting for her relationship with Joshua, the more things seem to go the opposite way. While visiting Joshua’s relative at New Orleans, both Amelia and Joshua try to find answers for Amelia’s dreams/nightmares. It led them to a girl, Gabriella, and left them with more questions than answers. When things go wrong with Gaby’s help, it left Amelia to choose between staying (for love) and leaving (for the safety of her loved ones).
After I read a few pages I was hooked (again) back to the world of Amelia and Joshua. I loved Amelia’s sense of humor and sarcasm in this book. I felt for both Amelia and Joshua. Their relationship is so fragile, real, and romantic. Absolutely amazing. I <3 Joshua and Amelia! The unique story was filled with new romance and action, making it difficult to guess what might happen next.
Arise is a suspenseful, poignant, heartwarming and beautiful book that will keep you on the edge. This is a book you'll never want to put down, and it will leave you wanting more from Amelia and Joshua. Arise is about love, friendship and sacrifice—it left me craving for more; I WANT the third book now. I’m trying really hard not to think about the fact that I have to wait almost two years for the third book to come out.
All in all, the pacing was good, the characters were good, the romantic tension was great, and the plot had some nice twists. Arise is a great read.
More of my book reviews @ The Sagacity Quest
May 11, 2012
Wow. WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
Look
At
This
Gorgeous
Stunning
Beautiful
THIS SO FRICKINUNBELEIVABLE COVER!!!!
AHHHHHHHHRRRRRR CANT WAIT!!!! <3
Look
At
This
THIS SO FRICKINUNBELEIVABLE COVER!!!!
AHHHHHHHHRRRRRR CANT WAIT!!!! <3
April 29, 2015
Kız birşeyleri başarırken elindeki bazı şeylerden mahrum kalıyor.Sonu nasıl bitecek acaba.Merakla son kitabı bekliyorum
September 17, 2017
Fast-paced and quick read, still really unique.
September 11, 2018
"Sen buna değersin,"
March 28, 2017
This review is also posted on my blog, Anatea's Bookshelf.
They did it again! Arise has such a beautiful cover, I can't stop looking at it. Just like the cover of Hereafter.
What is unlike Hereafter, Arise is amazing! I'm so glad I picked up this book, I can't explain how much. I debated so much if I should read Arise or not because I didn't like Hereafter very much, but I'm glad I did.
Arise is so much better, and Tara's writing here is just wow! I feel like it's Tara 2.0.
Unlike Hereafter, beginning in Arise is pretty slow. They all go to New Orleans for Christmas. New characters are introduced, some of Joshua's cousins and Alex. And that's when the story starts being really interesting. Amelia soon realizes that there's more to New Orleans than there should be. There's a bunch of young seers around her and there's a lot of voodoo.
She meets a fellow ghost too, Gaby. I love her character! She may even be my favorite. She's fun and full of surprises.
Throughout the whole book, Amelia fights her fear that Demons are going to hurt her loved ones, and she is debating whether to leave them or to stay with them. Also, her relationship with Joshua is on thin ice. Not because they don't love each other, but because Amelia doesn't see a future with him. While he grows old she'll stay the same forever. Sounds familiar? Yeah I know, but it still goes well with the story, I promise.
If you have any doubts and you're not sure if you want to continue Hereafter series, trust me on this one and read it. I know I can't wait for the Elegy, which is the name of the third book in the series, to come out.
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They did it again! Arise has such a beautiful cover, I can't stop looking at it. Just like the cover of Hereafter.
What is unlike Hereafter, Arise is amazing! I'm so glad I picked up this book, I can't explain how much. I debated so much if I should read Arise or not because I didn't like Hereafter very much, but I'm glad I did.
Arise is so much better, and Tara's writing here is just wow! I feel like it's Tara 2.0.
Unlike Hereafter, beginning in Arise is pretty slow. They all go to New Orleans for Christmas. New characters are introduced, some of Joshua's cousins and Alex. And that's when the story starts being really interesting. Amelia soon realizes that there's more to New Orleans than there should be. There's a bunch of young seers around her and there's a lot of voodoo.
She meets a fellow ghost too, Gaby. I love her character! She may even be my favorite. She's fun and full of surprises.
Throughout the whole book, Amelia fights her fear that Demons are going to hurt her loved ones, and she is debating whether to leave them or to stay with them. Also, her relationship with Joshua is on thin ice. Not because they don't love each other, but because Amelia doesn't see a future with him. While he grows old she'll stay the same forever. Sounds familiar? Yeah I know, but it still goes well with the story, I promise.
If you have any doubts and you're not sure if you want to continue Hereafter series, trust me on this one and read it. I know I can't wait for the Elegy, which is the name of the third book in the series, to come out.
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August 8, 2016
While Arise was not as fun as its predecessor, I still liked it. What mainly brought it down for me was the use of terms such as "Voodoo magic" and "zombie juice" in a serious setting. It really pulls you out of the story. Other than that the plot is great and I really like following Amelia on her ghostly adventures. Can't wait to see how this all ends.
Read
October 30, 2015Wow this book took our sweet ghost girl on quite the journey. Love the New Orleans references and the new characters that came along and the addition of voodoo. So imaginative!
June 13, 2012
“
Three stars: The sequel outshines the predecessor.
Amelia tries to avoid the bitter truth: a relationship between a living boy and a deceased girl is a dead end. As much as it pains her, she knows that she must soon leave Josh's side. Despite the fact that he holds her heart, she wants him to have a normal life. A life with a living girl friend and eventually a family. If only it she could tear herself away, and Josh isn't making it any easier. Everyday they are together, the closer they become. A brief encounter with Eli, makes Amelia realize that her departure from Josh needs to happen immediately. It seems the demons she staved off to save Jillian have a personal vendetta against her. They are out to get her and that means they will destroy everyone she loves in order to achieve their goals. The only way to protect
Josh, his family and her mother is for Amelia to vanish and leave them for good. Unfortunately, her willpower wavers. Amelia promises herself she will depart right after she accompanies Josh and his family to New Orleans for Christmas. Of course, in a haunted city like New Orleans, the dead are everywhere, and soon Amelia finds herself a target once again. Will Amelia be able to again evade the demons and protect the boy she loves?
What I Liked:
* I appreciated that this book addresses the difficulties and impossibilities of a long term romantic relationship between a ghost and a living boy. The more realistic aspects are addressed and the impossibilities of it are brought to the forefront. I was glad to see these issues finally addressed as it was a sticky point for me in Hereafter.
*I loved that this book goes to haunted New Orleans. In this sequel the reader learns a bit more about Seers, as well as delving into voodoo, a mainstay of this old city. One scene takes place in one of the most famous and haunted cemeteries! The author does a good job of bringing New Orleans alive for the reader.
*I liked that Amelia finally encounters another dead girl, Gabrielle and learns a thing or two about her ghostly abilities, especially after all the floundering in the dark. I was drawn to this lovely Creole girl with a gift for voodoo. She was a great addition to the cast of characters.
*Again, this book presents a good solid mystery that left me guessing until the exciting ending and final showdown. The last chapters were thrilling!
*I was pleased, once again, that this book is without the love triangle and cliffhangers.
And The Not So Much:
*Amelia's ghostly form is altered a bit with a touch of voodoo and she becomes "Risen". I don't feel like this element was fully explained and fleshed out. I had so many questions regarding this condition and though it was an improvement as far as the relationship goes, I was left scratching my head.
*I still am desiring a more thorough explanation on the Hereafter. A couple of times Amelia encounters another ghost who seems to be in the know, but we learn almost nothing from her. The Hereafter is still a mystery that needs clarification, there has to be more than just the demons!
*I am a bit frustrated over the whole situation regarding Amelia's father. For some reason, Amelia believes that her father is trapped by the demons even though there is not a shred of evidence to prove that he is a prisoner.
*This book has a great mystery story line with some twists. I admit at the big reveal, once the villain made the standard explanation speech, the one where they relate all the strings that were pulled and how the whole diabolical ploy was masterminded, I felt that some of the revelations were a bit far fetched and not so believable. I won't go into details here to avoid spoilers but some of the things were a bit beyond plausible for my taste.
Arise ended up being a solid read for me. I enjoyed the real and difficult decisions that Amelia faces and I appreciated that she is dealing with the harsh reality of the impossibility of a long term relationship with Josh. Ms. Hudson provides a second book that exceeded the first. There is mystery and danger packed into the pages. Ultimately, we are left wondering how this relationship between two star crossed lovers will play out. If you are a fan of ghostly romances you will enjoy this series.
Favorite Quotations:
"Whatever, Grizzly Adams. You look like a bear died on your face."
"Boys, I thought, shaking my head. An insult and a punch, and all is forgiven."
"When you had a ghost for a girlfriend, you eventually had to choose between the living and the dead. Between a normal life and a haunted one."
"He gave me that boyish grin, all dimples and full lips and inevitable heartbreak, and then pulled open the door."
"As if responding to my mood, the gas lamps above me sputtered violently, sending an array of shadows dancing across the street."
"Call me crazy, but aging enemies, flickering shadows, and midnight rituals in cemeteries all made me jumpier than usual."
"I love you. The words whispered in my mind long after they'd been spoken. They echoed, haunting me, distracting me in the darkness."
"It mangled and mashed together until I felt certain that the only thing I could do right now--the only thing I could ever do-- was fly across the cafe, throw myself into Joshua's arms, and apologize for the next thousand years."
A big thanks to Harper Collins for the advanced copy for review purposes.”
Orginally posted @ http://rainydayramblings.typepad.com/
Three stars: The sequel outshines the predecessor.
Amelia tries to avoid the bitter truth: a relationship between a living boy and a deceased girl is a dead end. As much as it pains her, she knows that she must soon leave Josh's side. Despite the fact that he holds her heart, she wants him to have a normal life. A life with a living girl friend and eventually a family. If only it she could tear herself away, and Josh isn't making it any easier. Everyday they are together, the closer they become. A brief encounter with Eli, makes Amelia realize that her departure from Josh needs to happen immediately. It seems the demons she staved off to save Jillian have a personal vendetta against her. They are out to get her and that means they will destroy everyone she loves in order to achieve their goals. The only way to protect
Josh, his family and her mother is for Amelia to vanish and leave them for good. Unfortunately, her willpower wavers. Amelia promises herself she will depart right after she accompanies Josh and his family to New Orleans for Christmas. Of course, in a haunted city like New Orleans, the dead are everywhere, and soon Amelia finds herself a target once again. Will Amelia be able to again evade the demons and protect the boy she loves?
What I Liked:
* I appreciated that this book addresses the difficulties and impossibilities of a long term romantic relationship between a ghost and a living boy. The more realistic aspects are addressed and the impossibilities of it are brought to the forefront. I was glad to see these issues finally addressed as it was a sticky point for me in Hereafter.
*I loved that this book goes to haunted New Orleans. In this sequel the reader learns a bit more about Seers, as well as delving into voodoo, a mainstay of this old city. One scene takes place in one of the most famous and haunted cemeteries! The author does a good job of bringing New Orleans alive for the reader.
*I liked that Amelia finally encounters another dead girl, Gabrielle and learns a thing or two about her ghostly abilities, especially after all the floundering in the dark. I was drawn to this lovely Creole girl with a gift for voodoo. She was a great addition to the cast of characters.
*Again, this book presents a good solid mystery that left me guessing until the exciting ending and final showdown. The last chapters were thrilling!
*I was pleased, once again, that this book is without the love triangle and cliffhangers.
And The Not So Much:
*Amelia's ghostly form is altered a bit with a touch of voodoo and she becomes "Risen". I don't feel like this element was fully explained and fleshed out. I had so many questions regarding this condition and though it was an improvement as far as the relationship goes, I was left scratching my head.
*I still am desiring a more thorough explanation on the Hereafter. A couple of times Amelia encounters another ghost who seems to be in the know, but we learn almost nothing from her. The Hereafter is still a mystery that needs clarification, there has to be more than just the demons!
*I am a bit frustrated over the whole situation regarding Amelia's father. For some reason, Amelia believes that her father is trapped by the demons even though there is not a shred of evidence to prove that he is a prisoner.
*This book has a great mystery story line with some twists. I admit at the big reveal, once the villain made the standard explanation speech, the one where they relate all the strings that were pulled and how the whole diabolical ploy was masterminded, I felt that some of the revelations were a bit far fetched and not so believable. I won't go into details here to avoid spoilers but some of the things were a bit beyond plausible for my taste.
Arise ended up being a solid read for me. I enjoyed the real and difficult decisions that Amelia faces and I appreciated that she is dealing with the harsh reality of the impossibility of a long term relationship with Josh. Ms. Hudson provides a second book that exceeded the first. There is mystery and danger packed into the pages. Ultimately, we are left wondering how this relationship between two star crossed lovers will play out. If you are a fan of ghostly romances you will enjoy this series.
Favorite Quotations:
"Whatever, Grizzly Adams. You look like a bear died on your face."
"Boys, I thought, shaking my head. An insult and a punch, and all is forgiven."
"When you had a ghost for a girlfriend, you eventually had to choose between the living and the dead. Between a normal life and a haunted one."
"He gave me that boyish grin, all dimples and full lips and inevitable heartbreak, and then pulled open the door."
"As if responding to my mood, the gas lamps above me sputtered violently, sending an array of shadows dancing across the street."
"Call me crazy, but aging enemies, flickering shadows, and midnight rituals in cemeteries all made me jumpier than usual."
"I love you. The words whispered in my mind long after they'd been spoken. They echoed, haunting me, distracting me in the darkness."
"It mangled and mashed together until I felt certain that the only thing I could do right now--the only thing I could ever do-- was fly across the cafe, throw myself into Joshua's arms, and apologize for the next thousand years."
A big thanks to Harper Collins for the advanced copy for review purposes.”
Orginally posted @ http://rainydayramblings.typepad.com/
April 14, 2012
I adore the covers of these books. Thinking I like the cover for Arise the best, though :) It is just simply stunning. I won this ARC from Tara back in February. And I cannot be happier about it. <3 First, it was a signed copy :D And I adore it so much. Plus I could not wait to read this amazing book; since I loved Hereafter :) And today I finally read it. And I am so please that I did. For the most part ;p
Warning though! This review will contain spoilers for the first book; Hereafter. Arise starts where Hereafter ended. Sort of. It starts about three months later; but things are still the same :) Meaning Amelia is still a ghost, and when she touches Joshua there is still that amazing sensation. But also the thing when she disappears while kissing him too much. Which sort of sucked a lot.
This book starts off good, really. I liked the beginning. But even from the start it is depressing. I'm sort of hating a bit on Amelia for how she was feeling that she had to do. Didn't approve of it at all. Really don't like those things. But. It wasn't that bad after all :) First, the first 200 pages of this book is really great. There is a lot of plot; lots of new ghost things revealed.
Plus we got to meet more of Joshua's family; which I liked. Although I think I still only like Jillian, really :) And Ruth. Athough Ruth was not in this book so much; which made me sad. But hopefully we'll see more of her in the next one. One of the new characters; Alex, I really, really did not like. He seems like a nice guy and all, but I never bought it.
There is a few more new characters in this book. Like Gabriella and Felix. I liked Gaby a bit, but I didn't understand how Amelia seemed to care more for her than Joshua at times; considering she had only known of Gaby for less than two days. Oh well. Just didn't get it :) But I did like her.
I did like Amelia in this book. Well, for the most part. She is still sweet, and she is really protective. But that's it. Too protective. Then there is Joshua. And he is still just the sweetest person ever. I adore him a lot. And I love the romance between them. I just did not like that there was so little :p Hih. But hopefully in the next book :) There better be, at least. <3
At about page 220 the horrible thing I had been dreading happened. And I did not like it. At all. And I felt like Amelia didn't care much about it, either; since she didn't think of it at all, it seemed :\ But then. A lot of stuff was happening to her at that moment, so I can sort of understand it. But not fully. The only thing that made it bearable for me was that it did not last more that two days. Thank god.
Although this book is only during a few days. But so much happen in those few days. And I really loved that no longer timed passed. Although I do wish the book had been longer. Since the book ends sort of good, but it hasn't been good for a while. And I just wished there had been more :)
The plot in Arise is really amazing. It is a lot better than Hereafter, I think. Also loved the writing in this book :D Arise has so much mystery and suspense. And things are always happening. Many bad and horrible things, but also a few good things. The romance in this book is great, although not very much of it. But the characters are amazing. And the story is so good. And it is all just so great.
If you have read Hereafter, then I really think that you must pick up Arise when it arrives! Because Arise is an amazing book. It has amazing characters and plot. And it is impossible to stop reading. I cannot wait for Elegy to come out. I need it right now, please :)
Warning though! This review will contain spoilers for the first book; Hereafter. Arise starts where Hereafter ended. Sort of. It starts about three months later; but things are still the same :) Meaning Amelia is still a ghost, and when she touches Joshua there is still that amazing sensation. But also the thing when she disappears while kissing him too much. Which sort of sucked a lot.
This book starts off good, really. I liked the beginning. But even from the start it is depressing. I'm sort of hating a bit on Amelia for how she was feeling that she had to do. Didn't approve of it at all. Really don't like those things. But. It wasn't that bad after all :) First, the first 200 pages of this book is really great. There is a lot of plot; lots of new ghost things revealed.
Plus we got to meet more of Joshua's family; which I liked. Although I think I still only like Jillian, really :) And Ruth. Athough Ruth was not in this book so much; which made me sad. But hopefully we'll see more of her in the next one. One of the new characters; Alex, I really, really did not like. He seems like a nice guy and all, but I never bought it.
There is a few more new characters in this book. Like Gabriella and Felix. I liked Gaby a bit, but I didn't understand how Amelia seemed to care more for her than Joshua at times; considering she had only known of Gaby for less than two days. Oh well. Just didn't get it :) But I did like her.
I did like Amelia in this book. Well, for the most part. She is still sweet, and she is really protective. But that's it. Too protective. Then there is Joshua. And he is still just the sweetest person ever. I adore him a lot. And I love the romance between them. I just did not like that there was so little :p Hih. But hopefully in the next book :) There better be, at least. <3
At about page 220 the horrible thing I had been dreading happened. And I did not like it. At all. And I felt like Amelia didn't care much about it, either; since she didn't think of it at all, it seemed :\ But then. A lot of stuff was happening to her at that moment, so I can sort of understand it. But not fully. The only thing that made it bearable for me was that it did not last more that two days. Thank god.
Although this book is only during a few days. But so much happen in those few days. And I really loved that no longer timed passed. Although I do wish the book had been longer. Since the book ends sort of good, but it hasn't been good for a while. And I just wished there had been more :)
The plot in Arise is really amazing. It is a lot better than Hereafter, I think. Also loved the writing in this book :D Arise has so much mystery and suspense. And things are always happening. Many bad and horrible things, but also a few good things. The romance in this book is great, although not very much of it. But the characters are amazing. And the story is so good. And it is all just so great.
If you have read Hereafter, then I really think that you must pick up Arise when it arrives! Because Arise is an amazing book. It has amazing characters and plot. And it is impossible to stop reading. I cannot wait for Elegy to come out. I need it right now, please :)
August 5, 2012
Surprise, surprise!
I weirdly liked it. O_O
Because after reading Hereafter, my expectations from this book?
The usual.
What I always got by reading:
Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2)
Torment (Fallen, #2)
The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey, #2)
Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery, #2)
Wolfsbane (Nightshade, #2)
What took my by surprise was that this book was really different from the other second books in a series I have ever read.
1- No freaking love triangles. Yeah you heard me. I was so happy since every second book will have a freaking love triangle in which the heroine gets a new love interest but this book? No. It stays true to the plot, which is, to find out how to protect herself and the people she loves.
2- The heroine is actually the sensible one while the hero is all lame and a pain in everybody's ass. Don't tell me you have ever read a book like that before. <.<
3- The heroine is not whinny and oh-I-need-you-hero-I-am-nothing-without-you and
Coming back to the book, I really liked the story of Arise. The way the book started with Amelia and Joshua all kissing was like:
And then FINALLY we get more characters in this book. In Hereafter, the book only contained Amelia and her mother, Joshua and his family and Eli. I was happy to know more people of our ages as it brightened up the book even more. Especially Gaby. I really love her.
And since I randomly started talking about characters, I basically like Amelia really much.
You know when you read a book in which a heroine is doing something stupid and we readers are all like, "Hey! Say NO! Stop it!" but the heroine actually doesn't, and we facepalm like this-
But in this book, the heroine is sensible and when she feels like that something is wrong, shes say no. *That scene in which Gaby was doing voodoo (magic,whatever) on her.
And Joshua was our random, not-much-in-the-book hero. So actually, theres nothing much to say about him. He was just our typical good guy charming.
Now eeyeah, this thing might be a spoiler for some readers so its your choice now.
I love the whole scene with Alex in the end but theres one thing I have to tell you guys.
I hate Jillian for no particular reason.
Or maybe I should feel sorry for her because she always get targeted and nearly murdered by the villains.
But no, that still doesn't change my feelings for her.
Overall, I liked this book, I am actually excited to read the last book since in the end of this book, she said she was going home Like, her real home and I want to see how the story ends and stuff.
4/5 stars. =D
I weirdly liked it. O_O
Because after reading Hereafter, my expectations from this book?
The usual.
What I always got by reading:
Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2)
Torment (Fallen, #2)
The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey, #2)
Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery, #2)
Wolfsbane (Nightshade, #2)
What took my by surprise was that this book was really different from the other second books in a series I have ever read.
1- No freaking love triangles. Yeah you heard me. I was so happy since every second book will have a freaking love triangle in which the heroine gets a new love interest but this book? No. It stays true to the plot, which is, to find out how to protect herself and the people she loves.
2- The heroine is actually the sensible one while the hero is all lame and a pain in everybody's ass. Don't tell me you have ever read a book like that before. <.<
3- The heroine is not whinny and oh-I-need-you-hero-I-am-nothing-without-you and
Coming back to the book, I really liked the story of Arise. The way the book started with Amelia and Joshua all kissing was like:
And then FINALLY we get more characters in this book. In Hereafter, the book only contained Amelia and her mother, Joshua and his family and Eli. I was happy to know more people of our ages as it brightened up the book even more. Especially Gaby. I really love her.
And since I randomly started talking about characters, I basically like Amelia really much.
You know when you read a book in which a heroine is doing something stupid and we readers are all like, "Hey! Say NO! Stop it!" but the heroine actually doesn't, and we facepalm like this-
But in this book, the heroine is sensible and when she feels like that something is wrong, shes say no. *That scene in which Gaby was doing voodoo (magic,whatever) on her.
And Joshua was our random, not-much-in-the-book hero. So actually, theres nothing much to say about him. He was just our typical good guy charming.
Now eeyeah, this thing might be a spoiler for some readers so its your choice now.
I love the whole scene with Alex in the end but theres one thing I have to tell you guys.
I hate Jillian for no particular reason.
Or maybe I should feel sorry for her because she always get targeted and nearly murdered by the villains.
But no, that still doesn't change my feelings for her.
Overall, I liked this book, I am actually excited to read the last book since in the end of this book, she said she was going home Like, her real home and I want to see how the story ends and stuff.
4/5 stars. =D
May 19, 2012
Originally posted at The Teen Book Guru
**This review is based on an Advance Readers Copy**
**This review may contain spoilers for those who haven't read the previous book**
First of all, let me just say, the cover. Holy macaroni, I love it!! It's perfect for Arise and Hereafter... so stunning and so beautiful.
Arise is the hauntingly beautiful sequel to Hereafter. Filled with an intense romance and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end, Arise will leave you breathless and wanting so much more.
Hereafter was honestly like no other ghost story I ever read, and I am just so thrilled that Arise was just as good, picking up from where Hereafter ended. There is so much more Joshua and tons of more sparks between the two star-crossed lovers.
But now there is also a little tension between them, as Amelia has started thinking about the future, and what it holds for the both of them. She doesn't want to hold Joshua back from his old friends... and she is even more worried about how long they will be able to keep this relationship up. While Joshua ages and grows old, Amelia will stay the same, thus creating a very Twilight-ish situation... only this time, the answer isn't as easy as one bite. But Joshua doesn't seem at all worried or nervous... and the fact that he is so oblivious and confident in their future together just makes Amelia feel even worse and more on edge.
To add to that, Amelia gets a warning that the Demons who took Eli to the Netherlands are now after her... determined to take her to the Netherlands and keep her there forever. She meets Joshua's seer relatives, who much to her shock can actually see her, and she starts feeling slightly normal. She also meets Alex, a quiet, mysterious, very powerful Seer who appears to be around every corner and promises Amelia comfort and help. But something about him seems... strange, and his presence always makes Amelia feel a little unsettled. She can't decide whether or not to trust him.
Desperate for answers, Amelia reaches out and finds fellow ghost, Gaby. They become friends against all odds and form an alliance against the Demons. Amelia starts feeling less ghostly and more... alive, as she spends more time with Gaby. But Joshua still presses on her mind, and as hard as she tries to leave him for his own good, she just can't.
Oh, Amelia. I feel for her, I really do. She's dead, there are vicious and determined Demons after her, and her relationship with Joshua isn't working... mostly because of the whole living/dead thing. Arise was such a roller-coaster ride! Packed with suspense and unexpected surprises around each corner, I couldn't put it down! And oh boy, I did not at all expect what happened in the end (well, maybe a little bit, but only because I highly suspect I'm psychic).
*Crickets chirp*
Anyway...if you are a fan of ghost stories or just love a great paranormal romance, you really should give Hereafter and Arise a go!
4 Muffins - Simply Delectable!
**A huge thanks to Harper Collins for this ARC of Arise!**
**This review is based on an Advance Readers Copy**
**This review may contain spoilers for those who haven't read the previous book**
First of all, let me just say, the cover. Holy macaroni, I love it!! It's perfect for Arise and Hereafter... so stunning and so beautiful.
Arise is the hauntingly beautiful sequel to Hereafter. Filled with an intense romance and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end, Arise will leave you breathless and wanting so much more.
Hereafter was honestly like no other ghost story I ever read, and I am just so thrilled that Arise was just as good, picking up from where Hereafter ended. There is so much more Joshua and tons of more sparks between the two star-crossed lovers.
But now there is also a little tension between them, as Amelia has started thinking about the future, and what it holds for the both of them. She doesn't want to hold Joshua back from his old friends... and she is even more worried about how long they will be able to keep this relationship up. While Joshua ages and grows old, Amelia will stay the same, thus creating a very Twilight-ish situation... only this time, the answer isn't as easy as one bite. But Joshua doesn't seem at all worried or nervous... and the fact that he is so oblivious and confident in their future together just makes Amelia feel even worse and more on edge.
To add to that, Amelia gets a warning that the Demons who took Eli to the Netherlands are now after her... determined to take her to the Netherlands and keep her there forever. She meets Joshua's seer relatives, who much to her shock can actually see her, and she starts feeling slightly normal. She also meets Alex, a quiet, mysterious, very powerful Seer who appears to be around every corner and promises Amelia comfort and help. But something about him seems... strange, and his presence always makes Amelia feel a little unsettled. She can't decide whether or not to trust him.
Desperate for answers, Amelia reaches out and finds fellow ghost, Gaby. They become friends against all odds and form an alliance against the Demons. Amelia starts feeling less ghostly and more... alive, as she spends more time with Gaby. But Joshua still presses on her mind, and as hard as she tries to leave him for his own good, she just can't.
Oh, Amelia. I feel for her, I really do. She's dead, there are vicious and determined Demons after her, and her relationship with Joshua isn't working... mostly because of the whole living/dead thing. Arise was such a roller-coaster ride! Packed with suspense and unexpected surprises around each corner, I couldn't put it down! And oh boy, I did not at all expect what happened in the end (well, maybe a little bit, but only because I highly suspect I'm psychic).
*Crickets chirp*
Anyway...if you are a fan of ghost stories or just love a great paranormal romance, you really should give Hereafter and Arise a go!
4 Muffins - Simply Delectable!
**A huge thanks to Harper Collins for this ARC of Arise!**
April 1, 2012
I won a competition on the author's site and got a proof copy of this book. I was so excited when I found out, I absolutely LOVED book 1 and couldn't wait to read this one. When this arrived I screamed and jumped about, and to make it even better Tara had signed it!!!! :O
I sat down yesterday afternoon to start reading whilst I was waiting for my dinner, turns out I got completely hooked and ending up eating as quickly as possible before picking up the book again.
I had to put it down when I was about half way through and I was desperate to finish it.
I sat down this morning and dived straight back in, thought I would only be able to read a little bit more but I managed to finish the whole thing (did mean I was late going out in the afternoon but never mind!)
It has been a while since I read book 1 and I was worried I wouldn't remember enough of the story, but my fears were unnecessary, I was immediately pulled back into Amelia's world. I had no trouble remembering who the characters were and I was straight back into that world.
Amelia and Joshua are still together, but in a way that can't last, Amelia is still a ghost and can only be seen by Joshua and his sister Jillian (who seems to hate her). Joshua is starting to become very isolated, spending all his time with Amelia, but she realises she is hurting his life and tries to fix it, but their problems get much worse when Amelia finds out the Demons are after her again and this time, nothing is going to stop them.
There are new characters in this book, a lot of Seers which is quite cool, I liked to see the different ways they could interact with Amelia. Some old favourites were back - Grandma Ruth, although a shadow of her former self, she was still creepy.
I also loved the introduction of Gaby, she was weird and creepy, but cool and funky. Really cool character. I liked her a lot. She takes the story down a whole new road and I did not expect it, but it is just like WOAH! amazing.
This book is what I would call an easy read, the sort of story that just sweeps you up and carries you through, a great plot and story, well set out and brilliantly paced, makes reading it almost effortless. This is a fairly average sized book at 405 pages, not too long, not too short, just right. But what those pages contain is just awesome.
Tara Hudson has really impressed me with her writing, it just seems to flow so well and spin such fantastic stories and I want more of it.
I can't believe how long I have to wait now for the next part, this one isn't even officially released for another 3 months. But I am so glad i got an advanced copy. You are all in for a treat!
I sat down yesterday afternoon to start reading whilst I was waiting for my dinner, turns out I got completely hooked and ending up eating as quickly as possible before picking up the book again.
I had to put it down when I was about half way through and I was desperate to finish it.
I sat down this morning and dived straight back in, thought I would only be able to read a little bit more but I managed to finish the whole thing (did mean I was late going out in the afternoon but never mind!)
It has been a while since I read book 1 and I was worried I wouldn't remember enough of the story, but my fears were unnecessary, I was immediately pulled back into Amelia's world. I had no trouble remembering who the characters were and I was straight back into that world.
Amelia and Joshua are still together, but in a way that can't last, Amelia is still a ghost and can only be seen by Joshua and his sister Jillian (who seems to hate her). Joshua is starting to become very isolated, spending all his time with Amelia, but she realises she is hurting his life and tries to fix it, but their problems get much worse when Amelia finds out the Demons are after her again and this time, nothing is going to stop them.
There are new characters in this book, a lot of Seers which is quite cool, I liked to see the different ways they could interact with Amelia. Some old favourites were back - Grandma Ruth, although a shadow of her former self, she was still creepy.
I also loved the introduction of Gaby, she was weird and creepy, but cool and funky. Really cool character. I liked her a lot. She takes the story down a whole new road and I did not expect it, but it is just like WOAH! amazing.
This book is what I would call an easy read, the sort of story that just sweeps you up and carries you through, a great plot and story, well set out and brilliantly paced, makes reading it almost effortless. This is a fairly average sized book at 405 pages, not too long, not too short, just right. But what those pages contain is just awesome.
Tara Hudson has really impressed me with her writing, it just seems to flow so well and spin such fantastic stories and I want more of it.
I can't believe how long I have to wait now for the next part, this one isn't even officially released for another 3 months. But I am so glad i got an advanced copy. You are all in for a treat!
May 26, 2012
Amelia is traveling with Joshua and his family to New Orleans to visit his Grandmother. Joshua assures Amelia that no other family members have had triggering events so she should remain invisible. A big shocker when they get there and the family knows all about Amelia, thanks to Joshua's sister, and one friend of the family can even see her. The rest of the cousins can hear her because they have been working on using their abilities even though they haven't had a triggering event yet. Amelia finds this nice because she can finally go out on a date to a dance club with Joshua like a real couple.
Amelia is keeping some things from Joshua though. She should have been up front with him but instead she hides the fact that she may not be safe after all. Someone from the past visited her dreams with a warning. Amelia hides it thinking she is keeping Joshua and his family safe but I hate when characters do this because it all comes out in the end and makes everything worse. Joshua notices her distance and thinks it's because she is still unable to handle some of her ghostly abilities. He takes her to a voodoo priestess who performs a ritual on Amelia resulting in some unexpected consequences.
Amelia is also struggling with the future of her and Joshua. She knows eventually he is going to grow up and want a girlfriend that he can introduce to his friends and family. Joshua is so sweet though and continually tells her he doesn't care. He just wants to be with her anyway he can. I've always found their relationship very sweet. I love their scenes together. I found this book to have a bit more action than the first book. I loved the first book for the romance but I found myself enjoying this one for the mystery. It was a bit predictable but I loved the New Orleans sitting and the new characters introduced. Amelia has learned a lot more about being a ghost and I'm really hoping in the next book she will find a way for her and Joshua to have a happy ending. That is one reason why I usually don't read ghost books because I hate for a series to end without an HEA.
Hovering there, I studied Joshua's face for a moment: his midnight-sky colored eyes, his full mouth, his high cheekbones. Then I peeked at the nearly-bare body extending beneath that face. And beneath me.
"Well," I murmured, "since I'm already here..."
Then I dipped down and pressed my lips to his again.
"You always look great, Amelia"
I shook my head. "I always look the same, Joshua."
"Yeah-great."
"Stop second guessing yourself," he said gently.. "You look beautiful. Perfect."
Amelia is keeping some things from Joshua though. She should have been up front with him but instead she hides the fact that she may not be safe after all. Someone from the past visited her dreams with a warning. Amelia hides it thinking she is keeping Joshua and his family safe but I hate when characters do this because it all comes out in the end and makes everything worse. Joshua notices her distance and thinks it's because she is still unable to handle some of her ghostly abilities. He takes her to a voodoo priestess who performs a ritual on Amelia resulting in some unexpected consequences.
Amelia is also struggling with the future of her and Joshua. She knows eventually he is going to grow up and want a girlfriend that he can introduce to his friends and family. Joshua is so sweet though and continually tells her he doesn't care. He just wants to be with her anyway he can. I've always found their relationship very sweet. I love their scenes together. I found this book to have a bit more action than the first book. I loved the first book for the romance but I found myself enjoying this one for the mystery. It was a bit predictable but I loved the New Orleans sitting and the new characters introduced. Amelia has learned a lot more about being a ghost and I'm really hoping in the next book she will find a way for her and Joshua to have a happy ending. That is one reason why I usually don't read ghost books because I hate for a series to end without an HEA.
Hovering there, I studied Joshua's face for a moment: his midnight-sky colored eyes, his full mouth, his high cheekbones. Then I peeked at the nearly-bare body extending beneath that face. And beneath me.
"Well," I murmured, "since I'm already here..."
Then I dipped down and pressed my lips to his again.
"You always look great, Amelia"
I shook my head. "I always look the same, Joshua."
"Yeah-great."
"Stop second guessing yourself," he said gently.. "You look beautiful. Perfect."
August 18, 2012
For those who were wondering how the book went, here's the plot in a nutshell (*SPOLIERS*)
Amelia: "I can't find the creepy demons that tried to kill me" *sigh*
Joshua: "I love my girlfriend sooooo much that I am willing to never talk to any of my friends ever again!!!"
Amelia: "Talk to your friends!" (Because I'm going to have to leave you anyways since I'm dead and we can't be together forever...) ---> Finally a character that realises that this love can't last forever
Eli: "hey! I'm not dead!!! oh and you should GTFO! those demons are PISSED OFF (and have a creepy passion for you)
Random Ginger Girl: "Listen to mwah!!!!!!! Why?! Becuase I said so and not because I am offering information!"
*Enter Christmas/ Family vacation in New Orleans*
Joshua: "Me and my grandma are the only seers!" *enters room full of ghost-aware family members* "my bad"
Alex: "Hi! I'm creepy and in charge! There's nothing wrong with me!"
Room of Relatives: "we can hear you breathing! besides that we are pretty much useless"
Jillian: "I'm a stupid whore! If you don't believe me just wait until the end ;)"
*Enter local voodoo girl Gaby*
Gaby: "Eventhough I act totally put off by you, I'm sure we'll be BFFs in like 12 hours! Such good friends I might even sacrifice myself for you!"
Amelia: "Yay donuts!"
Joshua: "Why doesn't she love me anymore?!!!! What am I going to do?!! I haven't seen her in 12 hours!!"
*Enter the "thrilling conlusion"*
Alex: "I'm completely nuts and evil, but mostly crazy!!! mwahahahaha"
Gaby: "that ahole!!! I WILL sacrafice myself!"
Amelia: "oh my I didn't see this coming even with all the plot hints!"
Joshua: "Don't worry Amelia!!! Someone has to be completely useless and since my cousins are passed out, I'll take the role1! One usless sack of flour at your service!"
Jillian: "I told you I was useless! Isn't it funny how ALL of these situations tend to be my fault? At least we have Gaby"
Amelia: "SUPER LIGHT ATTACK"
Gaby: "What counts is that almost got away! " *dies sort of*
Alex: "I'm crazy"
Demons: "Why do we talk to this kid again?"
Enter the Afterwards:
Amelia: "I love you, but I can't touch you. I know this cuz Gaby told me and eventhough it's really easy to see if that's the case for us, we can't! I don't believe in trying!"
Joshua: *crying inside*
*The Way Home*
The car: "Well this is awkward"
Amelia: "I can't find the creepy demons that tried to kill me" *sigh*
Joshua: "I love my girlfriend sooooo much that I am willing to never talk to any of my friends ever again!!!"
Amelia: "Talk to your friends!" (Because I'm going to have to leave you anyways since I'm dead and we can't be together forever...) ---> Finally a character that realises that this love can't last forever
Eli: "hey! I'm not dead!!! oh and you should GTFO! those demons are PISSED OFF (and have a creepy passion for you)
Random Ginger Girl: "Listen to mwah!!!!!!! Why?! Becuase I said so and not because I am offering information!"
*Enter Christmas/ Family vacation in New Orleans*
Joshua: "Me and my grandma are the only seers!" *enters room full of ghost-aware family members* "my bad"
Alex: "Hi! I'm creepy and in charge! There's nothing wrong with me!"
Room of Relatives: "we can hear you breathing! besides that we are pretty much useless"
Jillian: "I'm a stupid whore! If you don't believe me just wait until the end ;)"
*Enter local voodoo girl Gaby*
Gaby: "Eventhough I act totally put off by you, I'm sure we'll be BFFs in like 12 hours! Such good friends I might even sacrifice myself for you!"
Amelia: "Yay donuts!"
Joshua: "Why doesn't she love me anymore?!!!! What am I going to do?!! I haven't seen her in 12 hours!!"
*Enter the "thrilling conlusion"*
Alex: "I'm completely nuts and evil, but mostly crazy!!! mwahahahaha"
Gaby: "that ahole!!! I WILL sacrafice myself!"
Amelia: "oh my I didn't see this coming even with all the plot hints!"
Joshua: "Don't worry Amelia!!! Someone has to be completely useless and since my cousins are passed out, I'll take the role1! One usless sack of flour at your service!"
Jillian: "I told you I was useless! Isn't it funny how ALL of these situations tend to be my fault? At least we have Gaby"
Amelia: "SUPER LIGHT ATTACK"
Gaby: "What counts is that almost got away! " *dies sort of*
Alex: "I'm crazy"
Demons: "Why do we talk to this kid again?"
Enter the Afterwards:
Amelia: "I love you, but I can't touch you. I know this cuz Gaby told me and eventhough it's really easy to see if that's the case for us, we can't! I don't believe in trying!"
Joshua: *crying inside*
*The Way Home*
The car: "Well this is awkward"
August 9, 2012
Hereafter was one of my favourite reads of 2011, so I was super excited to finally get started on Arise, and I have to say author Tara Hudson has done a great job with this haunting sequel and I can't wait for more.
In Hereafter we saw Ameila and Joshua meet and form a relationship and now in Arise, we see them try and battle to save their relationship - because really, how can a ghost and a human have a future together? As all the odd's seem against them, Ameila seeks help elsewhere, but somehow finds herself in more trouble than ever where she has to choose between two worlds.
I really enjoyed Arise.It was a completely different read from Hereafter because this time we're seeing Ameila trying to enjoy her life, however it doesn't last long because of the evil that's after her. It was darker than the previous book because we see a lot of interaction with the netherworld and voodoo magic that is introduced. It wasn't predictable nor was it dragged out and Tara Hudson gave us readers a gripping and thrilling read - one that she didn't let up until the very last page.
We also see the arrival a few new characters who I thoroughly enjoyed. They all have different personalities and they all bounce of one another, that gives this book the humour it needed. Some characters quickly became my favourites and others I hated instantly but overall, I enjoyed them all and thought they we're great additions into the story.
Now Ameila and Joshua don't get it easy through the story. Their put through the ringer and their relationship is tested to the highest level. I love them together. Their a very sweet couple that you can't help root for but they also have that forbidden romance that you can't help think, how it's all going to end? I hope they get their happy ending and I'm eager how Tara Hudson plays that out.
All in all, Arise is a sequel that won't let you down. It's just as beautiful and enjoyable as Hereafter and has huge twists and turns that you won't see coming. A must read!
In Hereafter we saw Ameila and Joshua meet and form a relationship and now in Arise, we see them try and battle to save their relationship - because really, how can a ghost and a human have a future together? As all the odd's seem against them, Ameila seeks help elsewhere, but somehow finds herself in more trouble than ever where she has to choose between two worlds.
I really enjoyed Arise.It was a completely different read from Hereafter because this time we're seeing Ameila trying to enjoy her life, however it doesn't last long because of the evil that's after her. It was darker than the previous book because we see a lot of interaction with the netherworld and voodoo magic that is introduced. It wasn't predictable nor was it dragged out and Tara Hudson gave us readers a gripping and thrilling read - one that she didn't let up until the very last page.
We also see the arrival a few new characters who I thoroughly enjoyed. They all have different personalities and they all bounce of one another, that gives this book the humour it needed. Some characters quickly became my favourites and others I hated instantly but overall, I enjoyed them all and thought they we're great additions into the story.
Now Ameila and Joshua don't get it easy through the story. Their put through the ringer and their relationship is tested to the highest level. I love them together. Their a very sweet couple that you can't help root for but they also have that forbidden romance that you can't help think, how it's all going to end? I hope they get their happy ending and I'm eager how Tara Hudson plays that out.
All in all, Arise is a sequel that won't let you down. It's just as beautiful and enjoyable as Hereafter and has huge twists and turns that you won't see coming. A must read!
December 31, 2014
I really liked the first book in this series, Hereafter, for a number of reasons. (Reason number one: CUTE GUY WHO READS BOOKS AND IS CUTE.) So I've been anticipating Arise for quite awhile now. And I was not disappointed!
Arise still has the wonderful romance between Joshua and Amelia, but it also has many things that Hereafter did not have. For example, a whole bunch of new characters are introduced. Some of them are sweet and funny, some of them are creepy and evil. They all bring a lot of things to the story, and I'm really glad that the book has a whole cast of people who are important as opposed to AMELIA AND JOSHUA ALL THE TIME.
This book seems to focus a lot on Amelia. Amelia's struggles with being a ghost and her indecision about being in love with Joshua and the whole EVIL PEOPLE WANT TO KILL HER thing. I really liked watching Amelia grow and change throughout the novel. As the book went on, I started loving Amelia more and more. She's really strong and smart and I completely adore her as a main character.
There is so much EPICNESS in this book. Between Amelia's weird dreams and materializations and the creepy demon things who wanted to kill her, everything is just so intense. Arise doesn't really focus on Joshua and Amelia and their undying love for each other because love can conquer all blah blah blah. The book is more suspenseful and mysterious and adventurous, which I loveeee.
Also, the setting is New Orleans, a place I have never been to but now I really want to visit because of this book. It just seems like a really cool place to go to, and somehow it's the perfect setting for a ghost story.
And okay, let's just talk about Joshua for a minute. I LOVE HIM. He's smart and romantic and sweet and hot and an amazing boyfriend and also HE READS BOOKS. So yes. I would really like a Joshua, please. Thanks.
Anyway, my point is that I think Arise is about a hundred times better than Hereafter. It exceeded all my expectations, and I cannot wait to read book three!
More rambling at readwriteramble.blogspot.com!
Arise still has the wonderful romance between Joshua and Amelia, but it also has many things that Hereafter did not have. For example, a whole bunch of new characters are introduced. Some of them are sweet and funny, some of them are creepy and evil. They all bring a lot of things to the story, and I'm really glad that the book has a whole cast of people who are important as opposed to AMELIA AND JOSHUA ALL THE TIME.
This book seems to focus a lot on Amelia. Amelia's struggles with being a ghost and her indecision about being in love with Joshua and the whole EVIL PEOPLE WANT TO KILL HER thing. I really liked watching Amelia grow and change throughout the novel. As the book went on, I started loving Amelia more and more. She's really strong and smart and I completely adore her as a main character.
There is so much EPICNESS in this book. Between Amelia's weird dreams and materializations and the creepy demon things who wanted to kill her, everything is just so intense. Arise doesn't really focus on Joshua and Amelia and their undying love for each other because love can conquer all blah blah blah. The book is more suspenseful and mysterious and adventurous, which I loveeee.
Also, the setting is New Orleans, a place I have never been to but now I really want to visit because of this book. It just seems like a really cool place to go to, and somehow it's the perfect setting for a ghost story.
And okay, let's just talk about Joshua for a minute. I LOVE HIM. He's smart and romantic and sweet and hot and an amazing boyfriend and also HE READS BOOKS. So yes. I would really like a Joshua, please. Thanks.
Anyway, my point is that I think Arise is about a hundred times better than Hereafter. It exceeded all my expectations, and I cannot wait to read book three!
More rambling at readwriteramble.blogspot.com!
January 12, 2013
This book is a lot more exciting than its predecessor. This is the sequel to Hereafter, and it is much faster-paced, now that Amelia actually knows who she is, and instead of moping about, she can actually try to do something about her state of being (or unbeing). This is not a standalone book, you will be forever confused if you do not read Hereafter first.
Amelia is frustrated at her lack of a future with Joshua, since she is unable to touch him, and she is aware that while she remains an 18-year old ghost, he will age and grow without her. Amelia is also concerned about Joshua's withdrawal from the world, for her sake, because there's not much socializing you can do with your own peers when you're dating a dead girl.
Joshua's family goes to New Orleans to spend Christmas with their extended family, and Amelia tags along. In New Orleans, she meets a group of Joshua's cousins and their friends, all of whom can hear her and detect her presence. Meanwhile, there are demons after Amelia, threatening to destroy her loved ones. Over Christmas, she has to figure out what to do in order to keep the people she loves safe, and she is willing to do whatever it takes, including disappearing from their lives for good. She's not alone, she is aided by a new character named Gabrielle, who is not who she seems.
I liked this book a lot better than Hereafter. Hereafter seemed to move too slowly, whereas the plot moves along a lot faster in Arise. The plot can be confusing at times, and I felt the mysterious beings are not entirely wrapped up or explained, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I found Joshua's character rather annoying here; he is so freaking mopey, clingy, and weak. I have a mental impression of him with huge anime-style eyes with tears dripping out. Amelia is much stronger, more sure of herself, more willing to take risks and actions. It's not the most complex of books, or the most amazing characterization, but I enjoyed it as a quick read and as a sequel to a book I enjoyed.
Amelia is frustrated at her lack of a future with Joshua, since she is unable to touch him, and she is aware that while she remains an 18-year old ghost, he will age and grow without her. Amelia is also concerned about Joshua's withdrawal from the world, for her sake, because there's not much socializing you can do with your own peers when you're dating a dead girl.
Joshua's family goes to New Orleans to spend Christmas with their extended family, and Amelia tags along. In New Orleans, she meets a group of Joshua's cousins and their friends, all of whom can hear her and detect her presence. Meanwhile, there are demons after Amelia, threatening to destroy her loved ones. Over Christmas, she has to figure out what to do in order to keep the people she loves safe, and she is willing to do whatever it takes, including disappearing from their lives for good. She's not alone, she is aided by a new character named Gabrielle, who is not who she seems.
I liked this book a lot better than Hereafter. Hereafter seemed to move too slowly, whereas the plot moves along a lot faster in Arise. The plot can be confusing at times, and I felt the mysterious beings are not entirely wrapped up or explained, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I found Joshua's character rather annoying here; he is so freaking mopey, clingy, and weak. I have a mental impression of him with huge anime-style eyes with tears dripping out. Amelia is much stronger, more sure of herself, more willing to take risks and actions. It's not the most complex of books, or the most amazing characterization, but I enjoyed it as a quick read and as a sequel to a book I enjoyed.
December 10, 2012
Book two in the Hereafter series.
Overall, good book. I loved the first one because it was something different in the realm of Paranormal YA, and I think this one has to that too BUT it wasn't nearly as addicting as I had hoped it would be.
So, three things you may want to know:
1) Amelia may be frustrating to you for the first half of the book (I know she was too me) because she didn't heed the warnings of the fact something big and scary was going to come after her and hurt the ones she loved, but by the end of the book you’ll feel a little better about it. The first half of the book, however, is mostly dedicated to the fact that she can’t bring herself to do the right thing because she doesn't want to let Joshua go, and because she puts it off too long (surprise, surprise) she gets everyone in a great big dangerous mess. Yes, frustrating, but there wouldn't be a story if she didn't do that. (Or rather, it would be a much different story).
2) The first half might seem slow (especially considering what I said above), but it picks up towards the end. Once you meet Gaby (who you will probably love) things start picking up a little. Then really, the part I liked started about 1/3 from the end. THAT’S when things get exciting.
3) This does have more to do with the magic realm then the paranormal (unlike the first book). Because of that, I did like it because it added more to the story, but other than that it was a great story. It’s not anything in particular except that it just didn't have that spark that the first book had, and that many other YA books have. It fell a little flat of my expectations. But, it was still well written with good ideas, and although I’m not exactly sure what the next book will be about, I’m still going to read it.
Overall, good book. I loved the first one because it was something different in the realm of Paranormal YA, and I think this one has to that too BUT it wasn't nearly as addicting as I had hoped it would be.
So, three things you may want to know:
1) Amelia may be frustrating to you for the first half of the book (I know she was too me) because she didn't heed the warnings of the fact something big and scary was going to come after her and hurt the ones she loved, but by the end of the book you’ll feel a little better about it. The first half of the book, however, is mostly dedicated to the fact that she can’t bring herself to do the right thing because she doesn't want to let Joshua go, and because she puts it off too long (surprise, surprise) she gets everyone in a great big dangerous mess. Yes, frustrating, but there wouldn't be a story if she didn't do that. (Or rather, it would be a much different story).
2) The first half might seem slow (especially considering what I said above), but it picks up towards the end. Once you meet Gaby (who you will probably love) things start picking up a little. Then really, the part I liked started about 1/3 from the end. THAT’S when things get exciting.
3) This does have more to do with the magic realm then the paranormal (unlike the first book). Because of that, I did like it because it added more to the story, but other than that it was a great story. It’s not anything in particular except that it just didn't have that spark that the first book had, and that many other YA books have. It fell a little flat of my expectations. But, it was still well written with good ideas, and although I’m not exactly sure what the next book will be about, I’m still going to read it.
May 19, 2012
Hereafter was a thrill ride from start to finish. I have been raving about it while anxiously anticipating the second book's release. Well, IT'S HERE! Arise was very thing that I had expected, and after running through it full speed I am in waiting again. Arise picks up shortly after the conclusion of book one. Amelia and Jason had finally found their comfort, or at least as comfortable as a couple can be when one of them happen to be dead. Although, as with all awesome reads their comfort is short lived when Amelia finds everything is not what it seemed. Just when they believe that the danger is no longer lurking; we discover no only are they lurking but they may have just gotten a little smarter. After they witnessed the display from the end of book one; it seems that Amelia is of more interest than was previously considered. With the dark ones building a plan against her, and her desires to keep everyone she loves safe the game plans slightly shift. As if her life wasn't complicated enough she also finds herself on the receiving end of a voodoo ritual that will change everything she has come to know and learn about her afterlife. It seems as though Amelia is destined to sink or swim through her afterlife. Throughout all of this turmoil, it appears the one thing Amelia needs to realize is knowing who to trust. While trying to protect her loved ones she may just miss the answers that lay right in front of her. Arise has left most everything in a heaping mess, and readers will be desperate for answers. So, if you need me I will be here waiting for the next one. BookWhisperer Recommended Series
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~
March 30, 2012
Disappointingly, I felt this book had too much of the same storyline as the first one. The only difference is Amelia did not really know about herself in the first book, and in this one, she's a little more "alive" I guess. You still had the same darkness coming after her, the too obvious villan that she has never trusted, the same threat against Jillian and the similar end.
And as with the first book, I thought a lot of the story development came way too easy. There's a convenient way for Amelia to be more human. There is a sacrifice, but what else? Is she going to be the same age forever? How does that improve any possible chance of a future with Joshua. Of course, none of these are answered, and she'll just have to worry about it "later," as stated at the end.
There were a few others things that were too easy that bothered me. Like how Josh can speak to Amelia from the corner of his mouth, and somehow, no one else seems to see or hear. Or how Hudson wrote in drama with Kaylen and even Joshua being far ahead to talk to Annabelle and leaving Amelia behind with Alex. No fight afterwards, nothing. Like I said in the first review, I'm glad we skip over the theatrics, but why even write it in the first place.
Overall, this book was just okay. I'm curious to know if there is a possible future between Amelia and Joseph, but at this point, I'm not sure I"ll be continuing this series.
And as with the first book, I thought a lot of the story development came way too easy. There's a convenient way for Amelia to be more human. There is a sacrifice, but what else? Is she going to be the same age forever? How does that improve any possible chance of a future with Joshua. Of course, none of these are answered, and she'll just have to worry about it "later," as stated at the end.
There were a few others things that were too easy that bothered me. Like how Josh can speak to Amelia from the corner of his mouth, and somehow, no one else seems to see or hear. Or how Hudson wrote in drama with Kaylen and even Joshua being far ahead to talk to Annabelle and leaving Amelia behind with Alex. No fight afterwards, nothing. Like I said in the first review, I'm glad we skip over the theatrics, but why even write it in the first place.
Overall, this book was just okay. I'm curious to know if there is a possible future between Amelia and Joseph, but at this point, I'm not sure I"ll be continuing this series.
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