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Rising Calm
On Cara Weaver’s first day at her new high school—merely the next in a long line of new schools—she meets two senior boys: James Sable and Crispin Calaway. They’re new too; they’ve been at the school just longer than she has, and they’ve never made an effort to reach out to anyone. Until she comes. When her friends find out, they’re awed. But Cara can't shake the feeling that there’s more to James and Crispin than the two are telling.
As the days go on, everything at her new home seems to be going better than it has in any of the previous cities she’s lived in. She loves her friends, gets a job at a bookstore, and even starts to spend more time with Crispin and James. She’s happy. But all that begins to change when she comes to realize that the two boys she’s becoming close to are hiding something. It’s then that she knows her unexplainable wariness of them has been justified all along. But she keeps it a secret.
Days later, when a stranger accosts her outside a small shopping center, Crispin and James arrive just in time to help her. But they seem know the attacker. And instead of running him off, Crispin and James take Cara away, for her own protection.
With little explanation, Cara is told that she’s important and that she can’t go home until the boys have sorted some things out. In the meantime, Cara’s world is being turned upside down as she finds out that there is more to her life than she possibly imagined.
As the days go on, everything at her new home seems to be going better than it has in any of the previous cities she’s lived in. She loves her friends, gets a job at a bookstore, and even starts to spend more time with Crispin and James. She’s happy. But all that begins to change when she comes to realize that the two boys she’s becoming close to are hiding something. It’s then that she knows her unexplainable wariness of them has been justified all along. But she keeps it a secret.
Days later, when a stranger accosts her outside a small shopping center, Crispin and James arrive just in time to help her. But they seem know the attacker. And instead of running him off, Crispin and James take Cara away, for her own protection.
With little explanation, Cara is told that she’s important and that she can’t go home until the boys have sorted some things out. In the meantime, Cara’s world is being turned upside down as she finds out that there is more to her life than she possibly imagined.
- GenresYoung Adult
608 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2013
374 people want to read
About the author
Haley Fisher
2 books81 followersPublished as Haley Fisher, Haley Casey is an associate literary agent at Creative Media Agency, Inc. and is actively building her list of authors! (Learn more at MSWL.com.) She lives and works in Kansas where she tries—and often only succeeds through late nights and early mornings—to find the time to write a little bit, too. She has a major book obsession, but other passions include eating cookie dough, watching KU basketball, and buying books for her never-ending collection!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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February 2, 2013Umm... How many stars are you allowed to give your own work? One because you can see every single mistake and imperfection? Five because you wrote a freaking book and love the characters?
Of course I love my book and my characters, but I'm also not going to walk around and pretend it's perfect. I'm sure people will find flaws, and I'm sure I'm one of those people—it's hard not to critique your own writing. Even though I think I should give my story SOME kind of rating because I have read it, after all, I'm not going to because it feels self-serving. So... Read, enjoy, make your own judgements; I hope you like it as much as I do!
Of course I love my book and my characters, but I'm also not going to walk around and pretend it's perfect. I'm sure people will find flaws, and I'm sure I'm one of those people—it's hard not to critique your own writing. Even though I think I should give my story SOME kind of rating because I have read it, after all, I'm not going to because it feels self-serving. So... Read, enjoy, make your own judgements; I hope you like it as much as I do!
March 21, 2013
Such a great book, there was a bit of a reminder of Twilight in that she meets one of the guys in a science class being the new girl, and then sitting with him, but yeah, this was a great book, really enjoyed it, can't wait for the second one!
February 2, 2013
So proud of you Haley! I'm super excited to buy this book! My credit card is read to buy it! I love this book, it made me giddy. Want a good time, READ THIS BOOK!! I dare ya! You won't regret it!
February 2, 2013
Magical, tasteful, enticing, entrancing, and delicious. This book definitely deserves five stars!!!
June 12, 2013
Best line from the book:
I close my eyes briefly and sigh, "My head isn't always my favorite place to be," I tell him. "There's a lot going on in there."
"Then come back out," he urges. "I'm out here, you know." --SIGH
My Review
Rising Calm is a YA book. Cara is a wandering soul that thinks she has finally found the place she belongs. Only to be pulled into another world where she is supposed to a warrior who will save this new world.
I really enjoyed this read, its a great and interesting book with characters that speak to the reader.
The different story lines had me turning the pages to see how they ended. I especially liked Crispen and his interaction with his siblings.
Liked:
Cara is a character that anyone can relate too, a lost soul looking for her place in the world. She has so much love to give it practically jumps off the page. But my absolute favorite part of the book was any scene with James, as a reader you can't help but fall in love with James.
Disliked:
I'm a true romance reader and would have really liked to see a little more in depth spicy scenes between Cara and James.
Another thing that bothered was at times there was way to much explanation it would take me out of the story and I ended up skipping parts because of it.
Overall
This was a fun and interesting read.I typically walk away from YA totally satisfied. However, the characters in Rising Calm were so well written I expected more from them. And some of the story lines were left hanging. I assume it is for the second book in the series. But if you have read any of my reviews before you know I hate cliff hangers, and that includes unresolved story lines.
??Recommend??
I would recommend Rising Calm to anyone looking for a YA novel. And am looking forward to book two to have some of the leftover story lines.
Rating:
I really had a hard time rating this book I wanted to give it four stars but the 'dislikes' were just too pronounced and therefore I am giving it 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars.
I close my eyes briefly and sigh, "My head isn't always my favorite place to be," I tell him. "There's a lot going on in there."
"Then come back out," he urges. "I'm out here, you know." --SIGH
My Review
Rising Calm is a YA book. Cara is a wandering soul that thinks she has finally found the place she belongs. Only to be pulled into another world where she is supposed to a warrior who will save this new world.
I really enjoyed this read, its a great and interesting book with characters that speak to the reader.
The different story lines had me turning the pages to see how they ended. I especially liked Crispen and his interaction with his siblings.
Liked:
Cara is a character that anyone can relate too, a lost soul looking for her place in the world. She has so much love to give it practically jumps off the page. But my absolute favorite part of the book was any scene with James, as a reader you can't help but fall in love with James.
Disliked:
I'm a true romance reader and would have really liked to see a little more in depth spicy scenes between Cara and James.
Another thing that bothered was at times there was way to much explanation it would take me out of the story and I ended up skipping parts because of it.
Overall
This was a fun and interesting read.I typically walk away from YA totally satisfied. However, the characters in Rising Calm were so well written I expected more from them. And some of the story lines were left hanging. I assume it is for the second book in the series. But if you have read any of my reviews before you know I hate cliff hangers, and that includes unresolved story lines.
??Recommend??
I would recommend Rising Calm to anyone looking for a YA novel. And am looking forward to book two to have some of the leftover story lines.
Rating:
I really had a hard time rating this book I wanted to give it four stars but the 'dislikes' were just too pronounced and therefore I am giving it 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars.
January 2, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I took a glimpse into the book when I first got it just to see what would be awaiting me once I finished reading the book I was currently on. The glimpse didn't end until I was done with the whole book, so I think it's safe to say that I was ever so slightly oblivious to everything else around me.
The book is well written and rich in detail, but not oppressively so. The characters are loveable and the easy banter amongst all the young adults in this book makes for an interesting read that quite simply pulls the reader into the world of the main character, Cara Weaver.
Every single character is likeable in their own way, even if not all of them are particularly good-natured (where would be the fun otherwise?). There are quite a few characters that haven't had a chance to shine in this book or haven't been well introduced yet, so I can't wait to see what all of them will be like in the coming books.
I like the way the reader is continuously fed small bits and pieces along with the narrator without gaining too much information about the bigger picture hidden underneath it all. This thirst for more knowledge keeps pulling the reader along until suddenly the end of the book is there and one is left craving for the next one. The ending however is well done, a nice cut in the action that makes the wait for the next book bearable enough. Well-rounded and a good place to stop for a first book in a series.
Personally, I can't wait to see how this continues and I really liked the book. It is a rare feat that I drop everything else in order to finish a book. And as this is a first novel, I'm all the more impressed. Heads up to Haley Fisher and I hope the rest of the series will be as stunning as "Rising Calm".
I took a glimpse into the book when I first got it just to see what would be awaiting me once I finished reading the book I was currently on. The glimpse didn't end until I was done with the whole book, so I think it's safe to say that I was ever so slightly oblivious to everything else around me.
The book is well written and rich in detail, but not oppressively so. The characters are loveable and the easy banter amongst all the young adults in this book makes for an interesting read that quite simply pulls the reader into the world of the main character, Cara Weaver.
Every single character is likeable in their own way, even if not all of them are particularly good-natured (where would be the fun otherwise?). There are quite a few characters that haven't had a chance to shine in this book or haven't been well introduced yet, so I can't wait to see what all of them will be like in the coming books.
I like the way the reader is continuously fed small bits and pieces along with the narrator without gaining too much information about the bigger picture hidden underneath it all. This thirst for more knowledge keeps pulling the reader along until suddenly the end of the book is there and one is left craving for the next one. The ending however is well done, a nice cut in the action that makes the wait for the next book bearable enough. Well-rounded and a good place to stop for a first book in a series.
Personally, I can't wait to see how this continues and I really liked the book. It is a rare feat that I drop everything else in order to finish a book. And as this is a first novel, I'm all the more impressed. Heads up to Haley Fisher and I hope the rest of the series will be as stunning as "Rising Calm".
May 5, 2013
First, off thank you Goodreads and Ms. Fisher for letting me get to read this wonderful book. When I first received the copy my eyes widened. I mean the thing is HUGE. And I never thought I would be able to read it so quickly and enjoy it so much when I hardly had any idea what this was about.
Rising Calm is one of those books that I want to write: a new world, action and adventure and romance and everything. Suffice it to say that I hardly find any YA like that besides Rising Calm. Manga and anime are the closest I have found, and if anyone likes Escaflowne, they would definitively enjoy this.
Seperated by books in this volume, the first was slow but built up the characters nicely. Thank God there was no love triangle-thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!-and then as soon as the first book ends BAM!!!! Things get awesome!
I never once hated our heroine. And I usually do hate most heroines but Cara was just awesome. I wanted her to succeed and when she punched that guy-you'll find out-I laughed so hard. I havent had a book do that for me in a loooooong time. And then, all too quickly, it ended. :(
I only gave it 4 stars because while I understand there was already so much going on, I wished Fisher could have maybe elaborated/explored just a little bit more of Geler and the other territories of Demense.
Now, CAN I HAVE THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!???????
Seriously, read it.
Rising Calm is one of those books that I want to write: a new world, action and adventure and romance and everything. Suffice it to say that I hardly find any YA like that besides Rising Calm. Manga and anime are the closest I have found, and if anyone likes Escaflowne, they would definitively enjoy this.
Seperated by books in this volume, the first was slow but built up the characters nicely. Thank God there was no love triangle-thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!-and then as soon as the first book ends BAM!!!! Things get awesome!
I never once hated our heroine. And I usually do hate most heroines but Cara was just awesome. I wanted her to succeed and when she punched that guy-you'll find out-I laughed so hard. I havent had a book do that for me in a loooooong time. And then, all too quickly, it ended. :(
I only gave it 4 stars because while I understand there was already so much going on, I wished Fisher could have maybe elaborated/explored just a little bit more of Geler and the other territories of Demense.
Now, CAN I HAVE THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!???????
Seriously, read it.
March 30, 2013
Read full review at:
ReadingToTheStarsAndBack
After the first couple of chapters, it did seem a little Twilightesque. Heroine walks into school on the first day and immediately she gets the sullen guy talking. Eh? All of the boys seemed to like her straight away. They must all have been in on some secret. All of the friends Cara made thought she was the BOMB. Getting friends back together, and talking to the most HOT boys in school.
I must admit that, I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the second. By the time they were in Lyria, things got cliché and sometimes didn’t quite add up.
Charlie xx
February 24, 2013
Read this one in two days (#blizzardofoz helped)! I really enjoyed your character development and where this story is going. I can't wait to read the next installment.
September 15, 2013
Let me start off by saying that the book jacket didn’t even begin to touch the surface of this story. When I read the jacket blurb I was expecting a typical teenager paranormal romance, but that is absolutely not what this is. Cara Weaver is far from your typical flighty boy-crazy teenager and I loved and respected this character almost right off the bat. I was on edge and holding my breath when the tension was high, and nearly in tears when the story turned emotional. It’s been a while since I’ve been this emotionally invested in a book! The author does an amazing job of crafting Cara’s world and builds her strength, her maturity, and her incredible sense of responsibility through her actions and her thoughts without dwelling on exposition or lengthy monologues. Every character you meet is defined by their interaction and that is a big part of what helps give this book the incredible flow that it has.
I was thrilled to see a female teen character like Cara and I also appreciated the author’s choices in crafting her friends. While romance is an ultimate storyline in this fantastic novel, the main characters possess the maturity, integrity and the selflessness to not let a growing relationship stand in the way of doing what they know to be right. Her characters are smart, they are realistic, and I believe they are wonderful literary role models for YA readers.
Long story short, I loved this book. And I can’t wait to take a trip back to Lyria for the sequel!
I was thrilled to see a female teen character like Cara and I also appreciated the author’s choices in crafting her friends. While romance is an ultimate storyline in this fantastic novel, the main characters possess the maturity, integrity and the selflessness to not let a growing relationship stand in the way of doing what they know to be right. Her characters are smart, they are realistic, and I believe they are wonderful literary role models for YA readers.
Long story short, I loved this book. And I can’t wait to take a trip back to Lyria for the sequel!
September 13, 2016
Rising Calm is the first book written by author Haley Fisher.
It introduces high school age Cara Weaver just moved to a new town. She adjusts to it well by managing to snag a job at an independent book store in town. Makes friends, in particular a pair of boys named James and Crispin.
Things aren't all good and well for Cara however as she experiences and survives a potentially dangerous incident one night while at work.
Eventually Cara finds herself arriving in a magical world thanks to yet another violent incident where she gradually discovers she has a special role here. Like in her new hometown during the week of being there Cara finds danger doesn't escape her life, nearly losing it in the process thanks to a loved one possibly being in danger.
At the end however things turn out all right for her.
Overall I liked this. The author tells a remarkable, fantastic story writing unique characters in both worlds presented within it. I have no problem rating it five stars and now am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
It introduces high school age Cara Weaver just moved to a new town. She adjusts to it well by managing to snag a job at an independent book store in town. Makes friends, in particular a pair of boys named James and Crispin.
Things aren't all good and well for Cara however as she experiences and survives a potentially dangerous incident one night while at work.
Eventually Cara finds herself arriving in a magical world thanks to yet another violent incident where she gradually discovers she has a special role here. Like in her new hometown during the week of being there Cara finds danger doesn't escape her life, nearly losing it in the process thanks to a loved one possibly being in danger.
At the end however things turn out all right for her.
Overall I liked this. The author tells a remarkable, fantastic story writing unique characters in both worlds presented within it. I have no problem rating it five stars and now am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 29, 2013
I received this book for an honest review.
This book was not what I was expecting. It was a wonderful surprise!!
This is a story of that fairy tale world I grew up reading about. All of the characters came together so well. The descriptions of the characters, buildings, landscapes, so forth were done very well.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book, it was different from what I have been reading. I have yet to read a story like this that doesn't bore me halfway through it but Rising Calm had me reading to the very last page. It has a good mix of action and romance. It shows the bonds of true friendship and what Cara the older sister of Sophie will do to protect those she loves.
I'm left at the end of this book anticipating the next book. Wanting to know how this whole save the "world" ends up. Who Crispin falls for....though I have my opinions on who I'd like it to be. What story does Cara tell Mr. Pelegro.
This book was not what I was expecting. It was a wonderful surprise!!
This is a story of that fairy tale world I grew up reading about. All of the characters came together so well. The descriptions of the characters, buildings, landscapes, so forth were done very well.
I throughly enjoyed reading this book, it was different from what I have been reading. I have yet to read a story like this that doesn't bore me halfway through it but Rising Calm had me reading to the very last page. It has a good mix of action and romance. It shows the bonds of true friendship and what Cara the older sister of Sophie will do to protect those she loves.
I'm left at the end of this book anticipating the next book. Wanting to know how this whole save the "world" ends up. Who Crispin falls for....though I have my opinions on who I'd like it to be. What story does Cara tell Mr. Pelegro.
May 30, 2017
Wow, what a ride. I loved this book! The characters were well-rounded. The plot moved along at a great clip - in fact, at every chapter-end, I had to read "just one more" before quitting. Although I would classify this as a fantasy, I thought it was very accessible to anyone who enjoys YA.
I had minor quibbles with a few editing errors (the wrong word used or a punctuation mistake), but given the size of the book, I frankly wouldn't expect it to be *perfect*. There weren't enough errors to detract from the story or annoy me - it was just something I noticed.
Thoroughly enjoyable (except her parents - now them I wanted to slap!) and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series. Maybe we'll even find out that her parents are indifferent to their children's presence for a reason?? :-)
Bottom Line: thoroughly worth the few bucks it costs, no question.
Note I received a courtesy copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had minor quibbles with a few editing errors (the wrong word used or a punctuation mistake), but given the size of the book, I frankly wouldn't expect it to be *perfect*. There weren't enough errors to detract from the story or annoy me - it was just something I noticed.
Thoroughly enjoyable (except her parents - now them I wanted to slap!) and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series. Maybe we'll even find out that her parents are indifferent to their children's presence for a reason?? :-)
Bottom Line: thoroughly worth the few bucks it costs, no question.
Note I received a courtesy copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2013
Of all of the books I've received through the Goodreads.com giveaways, I think I was most excited to win "Rising Calm", by Haley Fisher. The preview sounded like something I would select for myself and enjoy. And I was not disappointed. The story was amazing.
Ms. Fisher has a skill for writing that draws the reader in, wraps the words around and envelopes the imagination. I pictured the bookstore, the kingdom, the characters, and felt their fear and excitement as they faced the perils and joys of the adventure.
Ms. Fisher has a great future ahead of her! Rising Calm
Ms. Fisher has a skill for writing that draws the reader in, wraps the words around and envelopes the imagination. I pictured the bookstore, the kingdom, the characters, and felt their fear and excitement as they faced the perils and joys of the adventure.
Ms. Fisher has a great future ahead of her! Rising Calm
October 24, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you very much!!!!
My review:
From the very beginning, this book was engaging. It was a long read, but well worth the time and effort. I enjoyed and appreciated the detailed character development. The book had just the right amount of detail in each adventure to feel and experience the adventure right along with Cara. When I came to the end I was torn….glad to have finished the large book yet I wanted to continue reading about Cara’s return home and the further adventures awaiting her. I shall wait with baited breath for the next book
An engaging story, which I intend to give to my 14 year old to read.
My review:
From the very beginning, this book was engaging. It was a long read, but well worth the time and effort. I enjoyed and appreciated the detailed character development. The book had just the right amount of detail in each adventure to feel and experience the adventure right along with Cara. When I came to the end I was torn….glad to have finished the large book yet I wanted to continue reading about Cara’s return home and the further adventures awaiting her. I shall wait with baited breath for the next book
An engaging story, which I intend to give to my 14 year old to read.
December 2, 2013
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, it was exciting, and I genuinely liked the characters. I got really invested in Cara and what happened to her. Plus I thought Crispin and James were hilarious, intentionally or unintentionally. Nothing really happens for the first like, 67 pages of the book, but once you hit that point, you just can't seem to put it down afterwards. I would definitely recommend to anyone who's up for an adventure and a little bit of excitement!
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, it was exciting, and I genuinely liked the characters. I got really invested in Cara and what happened to her. Plus I thought Crispin and James were hilarious, intentionally or unintentionally. Nothing really happens for the first like, 67 pages of the book, but once you hit that point, you just can't seem to put it down afterwards. I would definitely recommend to anyone who's up for an adventure and a little bit of excitement!
July 23, 2013
I am not sure how I found this book, but sure am glad I did! A great story, if you love the Twilight Series you will love this story except James is a good guy in this one. A little romance, mystery, magic fantasy a little for whatever in your in the mood for! Definitely leaves you wanting to continue the story with all the characters!! Geared more toward teen readers but I enjoyed it!
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