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The Red Sun Rises

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Eren Anderson is a freak among freaks. At 17 years old, he doesn’t fit in with his peers in the tiny town of All Hallows and despite being born into it, he most certainly doesn’t fit in among The Order of Our Mother, the secret nature worshipping society that has harnessed the ability cast spells and believes vampires are not only real, but their deadliest enemies. Eren is turned into a vampire after an attack by the local coven master, but that is the least of his worries...

In a post-Twilight world, “The Red Sun Rises” is a YA novel intended to give vampires their bite back but it should not be read as simply another vampire novel. “The Red Sun Rises” is a story about growing up, responsibility, falling in love, facing your fears and taking fate into your own hands.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2013

3 people are currently reading
323 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Kinnaird

23 books100 followers
Victoria Kinnaird is the pen name of Scottish writer Vicki Scott. She lives in Glasgow with her family and her three dogs. She graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2009 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Journalism, Creative Writing and English Lit. Victoria has been writing since she was 15 years old. She loves rock music, and most of her tattoos are related to bands that she loves!

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5 stars
54 (43%)
4 stars
36 (29%)
3 stars
17 (13%)
2 stars
10 (8%)
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6 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for D. Gabrielle Jensen.
Author 11 books114 followers
December 15, 2018
The Red Sun Rises joins the ranks of YA novels like Harry Potter, The Mortal Instruments, The Hunger Games, The Perks of Being a Wallflower that are just as easily enjoyed by adults as by their target demographic. Touting the tagline "giving vampires their bite back," Victoria Kinnaird has taken on the challenge of bloodthirsty vampires in a post-Twilight world and, pulling her inspiration from the vampires of Joss Whedon and Anne Rice - monsters and monsters that retain their humanity, ruthless killers and killers with remorse alike - she has successfully overcome the challenge.

The Red Sun Rises follows the story of an American teen, Eren Anderson, as he struggles to cope with life on the outside. Eren is the son of a leader in an ancient order of spell casters and Eren can't cast, putting him on the outside of the order but he doesn't fit in in the "normal" world either. When events lead to him being turned, he learns that his connection to the order and the town it controls is deeper than anyone could have ever imagined.

I recommend this novel (and its subsequent sequels to come) to fans of spell casters, vampires, coming of age stories, paranormal romance and/or dark fantasy.
Profile Image for Cianna Sunshine & Mountains Book Reviews.
341 reviews20 followers
September 12, 2013
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

Grade: A+ (Five Bold Stars! 6 if it were possible)
Alright, let’s start by saying, I didn’t even know what this book was about when I bought it. Cover looked cool, and I was hanging out at the release party and wanted to support the author! No freaking idea what I was in for, then as I’m hanging out with my NerdGirl group, they needed some reviews, so I said sure, I bought the book, I’ll write a review for them to post.

So I’m reading this book, causually.. getting into the story.. when I realize I’m completely lost in it. I mean, basically almost miss my stop on the bus lost. Dying to read it after work even though I’m totally beat lost. This book grabbed me without my knwoledge and kept me. The work is written beautifully, it’s described well, and the plot is well thought out and organized. There’s no technical flaws to this book at all, that I could see anyway. But that’s not the only reason I gave this book 5-6 stars!

Eren is a beautiful character. He is such a breath of fresh air for the vampire genre. This book mixes literary fiction with vampires, and brings us something unique, touching and action filled. This book isn’t wimpy, it stands along with other vampire novels, but this book could also stand it’s ground with a John Green novel with the wonderful amount of actualization the characters go through, and the way they make the reader feel. This book mixes charming coming of age story with a kick ass vampire / witch story. She takes both world and pulls them together perfectly. I couldn’t have loved it more. This is not your average romance, this romance between two men is touching, simple, and completely grounded. It’s a great message, a great moral, and so incredibly interesting.

This is the kind of YA novel we need now, this is something I wish I could see on every shelf, in every store, in all libraries and schools. This book makes a statement. It’s a book for all of the outcasts, the people who didn’t fit in for whatever reason. This book makes sense to them. It’s a story about being an outcast, fitting in, making your own choices, and standing up for what you believe in. There’s so much to this novel, comparing it to any other vampire novel, especially Twilight would do nothing but dim it!

Look past your preconceptions, keep an open mind, and experience this wonderful piece of YA fiction that is great for teens and for adults. This book needs to be read, read it, and share it. Buy a copy for your friend. You won’t regret it. I can’t wait to buy a paperback of this book, and keep in on my table! I want everyone i know to read it.

Thank you Victoria Kinnaird for writing something different.

P.s: We have a favorite band in common two. She mentions two bands at the end of the book. I like the one, but the other is my favorite band as well!

**This is an honest review for a book I purchased myself. Nothing was given to me, nothing promised, just honesty **
Profile Image for Jennifer Oliveira.
Author 1 book23 followers
February 28, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5/5* rounded up to 4 because I've been in the mood for vampires and so it felt really good to read this one.

It's well written, suited for younger audiences because it got too simple at times, with a very superficial dialogue. It was still adorable and original, though, and I easily fell in love with some of the characters.

I will be reading the rest of the series after I finish some ARCs, that's for sure.
Profile Image for Shelby.
219 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2013
I am in serious LOVE with this book. Victoria Kinnaird hooked me from the very first paragraph, "The moonlight shimmered through the gnarled branches of the ancient tree outside her window. It was a cold, clear night, the sky black and cloudless. The kind of night where the stars made the sidewalks glitter seductively, beckoning the naive and the desperate deeper into the dark." The author has a way with words that will keep you reading from the first page to the last.

The Red Sun Rises is a beautifully vivid work of written art. Victoria has written a book that everyone can love and relate to. The main character in this book is a high school boy who is a self proclaimed "freak among freaks". He is not your typical leading man and that's what makes him so perfect. He is bullied. He is insecure. He is open to loving whoever he chooses based only on attraction rather than gender. He is a teenage boy with rules and boundaries and limitations. There is literally something for everyone in this book!

The characters are so easy to love. The storyline is complex and imaginative. The Red Sun Rises is a beautiful modern love story to rival Twilight with some serious hardcore Vamps that could hold their own against the vampires of Anne Rice.

This is my first experience with this author and I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series, and any other of her books that I can get my hands on! You have a made a fan out of me Victoria Kinnaird!
1 review
September 4, 2013
The Red Sun Rises is the beginning of the whirlwind tale of Eren Anderson and his journey from the misunderstood and rebellious but otherwise ordinary teen into something rather more powerful, supernatural and very unique indeed. Victoria Kinnaird's ability to draw you into the characters, to love them and want desperately for their success, is one of the greatest strengths of the story that will keep you turning page after page anxious to know what happens next. In a time where vampires in literature have been recreated in so many different guises, Kinnaird's vampires hit on the perfect balance between the bloodthirsty killer and the emotion that proves they were once human. In short, the Red Sun Rises is a captivating book that will appeal to readers of not just the YA audience, and will leave you waiting with great anticipation for the sequel.
Profile Image for Zoe.
Author 35 books37 followers
July 12, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book from Victoria Kinnaird. It's a refreshing touch on the YA vampires that dominate our popular culture. It's very well written, flowing seamlessly from chapter to chapter, viewpoint to viewpoint.

The novel follows outsider Eren, as he begins to learn more about his family, his life, and the entire world surrounding, as he makes his decisions, learns new things and falls in love with a beautiful boy, Corbijn. Whilst characters are flawed, they re believable and that's what gives it sparkle.

I've already got the next book in the series - can't wait to jump in!
Profile Image for Rayner Vella.
8 reviews13 followers
September 4, 2013
“The Red Sun Rises” by Victoria Kinnaird is a heartwarming story of American teen Eren Anderson. The emotions are raw and immediately hook you into the intricate story that has been created.Trying to lead a normal life, Eren breaks all the ‘typically good’ stereotypes, he is rebellious and doesn’t particularly fit into ‘All Hallows’. His life however, changes allowing him to find a peace of mind in the Vampire world and adapting to the supernatural lifestyle. These Vampires however are full of adoration and cold emotions. This Novel is a novel that is beautiful and gripping and a story that will make a mark in the YA World.
Profile Image for Denise White.
2,027 reviews
September 19, 2017
Good start... I like Eren very much.. I also liked the humor in this book as well... off to book 2
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,904 reviews60 followers
September 7, 2020
Love Eron

This is fantastic! I love how fresh this book felt. The characters were all great and fit well with the storyline. Can't wait to read where it goes from here
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2013
Eren Anderson is struggling to fit in anywhere, but it is more of a challenge than it would be for the average 17 year old. HIs father belongs to The Order of Our Mother, a society that can harness the magic of the earth. Eren, however, does not completely fit in with those in The Order as his mother was not a member and as a result, he has not been able to fully join that society as his friends have.

Many things happen at once as Eren begins to rebel against the rules put into place by a society that doesn't fully accept him. HIs life changes dramatically when he realizes that those rules were put in place to protect him. Eren also comes to realize that he has a lot more power than he ever knew, and a mother he had no idea existed before now. He meets Corbijn, who his mother initially brought in to protect him, but who he quickly begins to experience some very intense feelings for. Their relationship is wonderful to experience as it grows into something that gives both Eren and Corbijn a support and strength that helps them face a warring society and an uncertain future.

The author did a great job of engaging me right away and pulling me in to this world. I really enjoyed the evolution of the characters and watching all of the friendships, family, and romantic relationships change and grow. Eren is a great character and it was nice to see him come into his own and discover who he is and who he was meant to be. Also, I love Corbijn. And Andy. And Eren's dad Robert. And his mom. Okay, I pretty much love everyone. This book is complete in an of itself, but I will be waiting to read more by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Erin.
174 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2014
What would you do if you were a teenage boy that never felt like you fit in in “normal” life, or even in the life you’ve been given, had an overprotective father, then had a massive change in your life that ensured you’d never be like ANYONE else? This story pretty much sums up how it would feel.

What stood out the most to me – in a good way – about this book, is that nothing fit into a perfect little box. In other words, it was much like how life really is for a teen. Add a teen with supernatural parents, and “perfect” would be impossible.

Eren’s situation would give any teen a very clear choice of going very good, or very bad. The struggle he goes through to make the choices he makes would be tough for any teen, but he has just the right (an equally unperfect) people on his side to help him make his choices. At times, when he’s forced to make a choice, it’s even difficult to figure out who the bad guy is, and if there IS a good guy.

Although I did have some trouble really being fully drawn into the book, it certainly doesn’t detract me from highly recommending it. Especially for any teens out there that can relate that the world out there doesn’t always immediately give them the perfect place where they feel like they fit in, but know they WILL find it someday. It was original, and it was never obvious what would happen. I really enjoyed it.
Please do not share without giving Paranormal Reads/Erin full credit or without permission from the author or publisher.
Profile Image for Lexi.
Author 130 books253 followers
May 1, 2014
**Originally written for Book Bliss book blog**

Review: 4.5 stars
General: The Red Sun Rises is honestly like nothing I've ever read. It is extremely refreshing to have found something so entirely different while fitting into the "mainstream" of book desires in today's society. I found the book to be a heavy read - but in a good way. The issues within this book both poked fun at the vampire craze teens and adults alike love but also touched on some very deep, important and even darker issues in society in a way that readers of any teen age and up could read and enjoy even if they couldn't identify with 100%. I loved the paranormal addition but think this novel would have been just as successful without, perhaps more so because there were moments that the paranormal took me out of the issues that made this book such a fantastic read.

The main thing about this book that sets it apart from any other teen book I've read is it is a m/m relationship. I loved that there was no fear to go to this side of things. (Please note as with all YA there is nothing graphic in this novel and the relationship really was a great addition to the story). I hope this launches a positive trend in teen lgbta romance or perhaps I've just missed them all along, not sure. Eren was a character that while I couldn't come close to identifying with, I connected with easily and on almost every level. I felt what he was going through.
Profile Image for AGirlAmongstBooks (Jess Green).
574 reviews
June 8, 2015
I am so completely in love with this book and totally fan-girling it! Victoria Kinnaird could not have written a better debut novel. She's quite fearless just like my beloved Eren. This book was so much more than just "another vampire novel." It was about love, accepting/ believing in yourself, fighting for what's right and so much more. It was refreshing to read a book from a teenage boy's perspective! Eren, a self proclaimed "freak among freaks," quickly won a special place in my heart. Though he was stubborn and short-tempered throughout the book, he wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind and in his heart. The relationship between Eren and Corbijin, which I thought was going to come off a little forced, didn't feel forced at all. It felt natural. No cliche's...it was just two people in love. This type of book is what teen's SHOULD be reading. No sparkly vampires, no whiny/needy teenage girls, no drug use or overly sordid romance scenes. I can't say enough great things about this book. If you haven't read it...do yourself a favor...READ IT! RIGHT NOW...GO!
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 53 books37 followers
November 17, 2013
It was easy to get lost into the world that Victoria Kinnaird created. The characters are easy to get attached to and the story line is easy to follow.

Claimed to be the "freak among freaks" the main character faces what a lot of teenagers deal with on a day to day basis. Bullying.

Bullying leads to insecurity as well as other issues with a person's self esteem. Not only that but there is also the realistic side of how he doesn't get along with his father because he isn't like the other children he goes to school with.

This story shows the struggles that the main character goes through and how he comes out on the other side of them. Teenagers can easily relate to the problems that he has because they are problems that happen in everyday life. There isn't the far out in left field type of problems that no one can relate to.

I think the author did a wonderful job at writing this novel and making sure that readers could connect to her characters.
Profile Image for Beka.
395 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2014
*I was given a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I absolutely LOVED this book. It packed a punch right from the beginning and had me hooked into the book. I can not wait to see how the story continues. I loved how Kinnaird makes you feel exactly what her characters feel. How she doesn't let you have more they she wants you to have at that moment, like it talks about in the book holding back some of your secrets for later. So much of this story made it absolutely amazing. You see so much personality from not just the main character Eren but all the other characters too. Kinnaird brings forth amazing characters, a great story and a love story that makes you want to have faith in paranormal romance again.
*This review has been done in conjunction with A Girl Amongst Books Blog. For more information on our reviews, please visit our Facebook site: www.facebook.com/agirlamongstbooks*
Profile Image for Alexis Shellard.
1 review1 follower
September 5, 2013
The Red Sun Rises follows Eren Anderson, a 17 yr old American teen, as he struggles to find a connection with the secretive, supernatural world in which he lives but feels no part of.
Fabulously atmospheric, Kinnaird has a wonderfully descriptive prose making you fall in love with the characters and feel like you are right there with them. She creates that balance of rich details but leaving the space for a reader to visualise their own "All Hallows". This world is right there for you from the off so be prepared for love, heartache, laughter and a good dose sex appeal from the start.
You are going to love this book and like me will be left wanting and waiting for more.
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,533 reviews46 followers
October 7, 2014
This was a good read, I really enjoyed this. I only cried 2 times which is good for me,haha... I loved how Eren & Corbinjin hooked up right away & knew they were meant to be, beautiful love story between them!! So happy with what Eren did to Corbinjin before fight :) a good book with love & action that made me not want to put book down! I read half of it before I decided to go to bed & read the other half tonight. I want to read the next book now but it's going for 5 am here, so it'll have to wait,lol.
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
May 13, 2017
Listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator was pretty good, but there were editing issues, a lot of repeated lines.
The story was awesome. I haven't read a lot of YA paranormal since I started reading mm romance, but this was the perfect combo. Vampires, romance, gay characters struggling to find acceptance in so many different ways. Great book. I hope they do an audio of the second, but if not I will be reading it anyway.
Profile Image for Robin.
10 reviews
March 15, 2016
Quick Read

I loved learning about who the characters were and how they all fit into the puzzle that is Eren's life. I couldn't bring myself to put it down, I cannot wait to start the next adventure!
Profile Image for Levi.
573 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2020
DNF !

Eren is a selfish teenager who lacks any discipline. And in my honest opinion as clueless as an empty headed could be. One moment he is straightish but the next jumps Corbijn ... just nope .
To my friends: naaah!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lance.
Author 49 books127 followers
September 7, 2013
This book absolutely surprised me with how much I liked it! The writing is brilliant and the love story is passionate and heart-touching. A definite must read in my opinion! :)
Profile Image for Mark.
17 reviews
March 28, 2015
Not exactly my cup of tea (which I was warned about so only myself to blame) but the writing was good. I just know that the author is an awesome person.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
20 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2015
I absolutely love this book. I don't usually read books about vampires and magic but this one had me from the first chapter. I love how Eren grew and changed throughout the book.
Profile Image for Jayson Mcneil.
2 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2015
Amazing

This book was a good mix of light hearted adorable parts and really well written drama. It was a one day read for me and I would suggest this book.
Profile Image for Anthony.
58 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2017
Oh this story deserves a gold Star award. It ticks so many boxes. A well rounded Paranormal vampire / Magic story, that is also a coming out and coming of age, adventure thriller / a little horror at times too.
The story is so well written and descriptive, I feel like I was walking the streets of All hollows, I got vivid pictures of the surroundings and the coven house.
The characters are also amazingly written and descriptive with their own quirks and personalities. The story is gripping from start to finish, I just did not want to stop reading. I am so thankfull that it is a box set and I am now starting book two. How will eran and Corbijn deal with their new lives in Paris, and what does the future hold for them.

I’d give this book six stars if I could. If you like Vampires and a thrilling and exciting read the buy this book.

This is an honest and freely given review in return for an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Karyn.
428 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2014
Red Sun Rises is a YA Paranormal story mixed with romance. How is this different from the other books I have read and reviewed? This is about vampires and casters. Casters are able to use magic but they are trained in it while they are teens. The main character, Eren, is somewhat of an outcast in the story but is a very likeable character. The reader can feel his angst and can understand what he is going through. His father has rules around curfew that Eren follows but isn’t told the exact reason why these rules are in place. Because of this, he thinks the rules are stupid and outdated and beings to rebel. From understanding Eren’s point of view, I found myself thinking, I would be doing the exact same thing (and probably did as a teen!).

However, the reader is told of the details as to why the curfew is in place so from the father’s perspective (and being a parent myself), I found myself also saying, I would have the same rules in place. From knowing all the details, the reader is able to understand the anger and rebellion from Eren; but also understand the determination and love from the father.

The other piece that sets this book apart from others I have read is the romance part of the story is between two guys. This is the first story I have come across where the romance side of it was male to male. The author sets it up in a way that it is not obvious from the start. The feelings the boys share grow slowly and I found myself really rooting for them and hoping their relationship grows. This is the first experience Eren has with true love and it was nice to watch it grow.

This book was tied up nicely but also left room for you to wonder where is going from there. Book two is out now: Red Sun Rises: Fire and Ash
Profile Image for Cindy Smith.
Author 11 books200 followers
July 24, 2014
This story is well written and a good first book in a series.

A teenage boy from a small town doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. He lives with his father and the onl thing he knows about his mother is she died when he was born. The town is filled with people following an ancient belief called the Order. Everyone, including his father, is a part of this sect--except him, His life is ruled by fanciful tales of vampires lurking in the night and the regulations to never leave the house after sunset. But he wants to belong! He decides to take his best friend to a neighboring sity to see a music concert. They leave early in the day so they can be gone after sunset. His little attempt at rebellion opens new doors he never expected. Vampires do exist! And, their leader wants him DEAD! /come join the tale.
Profile Image for Mad about.
275 reviews8 followers
March 22, 2014
The start of this was initially very intriguing but I did lose interest in the characters and plot as there seemed no real drama to it for me.
Eren realises he's gay and loves a man but the lack of adult scenes when there was a build up to them was a little annoying and the talk of their passion was just unnecessary if they weren't going to be shown.
Wish it has shown more of the Vampires and their culture as all was shown was a bunch of bored animals hanging around gossiping.

Alot seem to have enjoyed the story so think it was just my preference for a more mature book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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