What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Arrow Island #3
Ember Rising
The island couldn’t break her. The ravaged mainland might.
Only one thing could have made Amira Khalil return to the merciless place that nearly destroyed loyalty to the woman who became her sister. But the Idaho Liberation Front has other plans for her—and her assigned partner isn’t one of her trusted friends. He’s quiet and controlled. Capable but enigmatic. Stoic but sharp-eyed.
She doesn’t trust him, but she’s forced to rely on him.
The road ahead is broken, unyielding, and nothing like either of them expected. Across a flooded, fractured America that doesn’t resemble the country they remember, Amira and Evander will face obstacles that strip every defense away. Their pasts converge in ways neither of them anticipated—and the fire building between them may be the most dangerous thing either of them have faced.
An ember is rising. But in order to burn, it must survive the dark.
While Amira faces the ghosts of her past, the people she loves most are waging their own wars. Briar and Marcus are risking everything to save her sister, and Pax is fighting to prove he’s not like his iron-fisted father. Scattered across a ravaged continent, all of them are running out of time.
The ILF’s battle against the regime that forces women to their knees is on the brink of collapse. Amira can’t risk being hurt again, but she faces an impossible choice when she realizes she’s the key that’s been hiding in plain sight.
Only one thing could have made Amira Khalil return to the merciless place that nearly destroyed loyalty to the woman who became her sister. But the Idaho Liberation Front has other plans for her—and her assigned partner isn’t one of her trusted friends. He’s quiet and controlled. Capable but enigmatic. Stoic but sharp-eyed.
She doesn’t trust him, but she’s forced to rely on him.
The road ahead is broken, unyielding, and nothing like either of them expected. Across a flooded, fractured America that doesn’t resemble the country they remember, Amira and Evander will face obstacles that strip every defense away. Their pasts converge in ways neither of them anticipated—and the fire building between them may be the most dangerous thing either of them have faced.
An ember is rising. But in order to burn, it must survive the dark.
While Amira faces the ghosts of her past, the people she loves most are waging their own wars. Briar and Marcus are risking everything to save her sister, and Pax is fighting to prove he’s not like his iron-fisted father. Scattered across a ravaged continent, all of them are running out of time.
The ILF’s battle against the regime that forces women to their knees is on the brink of collapse. Amira can’t risk being hurt again, but she faces an impossible choice when she realizes she’s the key that’s been hiding in plain sight.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2026
About the author
Brenda Rothert
96 books2,342 followersBrenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:
Twitter: http://goo.gl/wYVa6E
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/tYSU3n
Website: http://brendarothert.com/
Goodreads: http://goo.gl/k2ueHQ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/47Va5y
B&N: http://goo.gl/gXIFyF
Kobo: http://goo.gl/hrFmMK
iTunes: http://goo.gl/5XKG4Z
Google Play: http://goo.gl/gQMf8p
Twitter: http://goo.gl/wYVa6E
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/tYSU3n
Website: http://brendarothert.com/
Goodreads: http://goo.gl/k2ueHQ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/47Va5y
B&N: http://goo.gl/gXIFyF
Kobo: http://goo.gl/hrFmMK
iTunes: http://goo.gl/5XKG4Z
Google Play: http://goo.gl/gQMf8p
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 22, 2026
Brenda Rothert has absolutely outdone herself with Ember Rising, book three of the Blue Arrow Island series. This series continues to deliver everything I love about dystopian romance. You have a terrifying world, morally complicated characters, emotional romance, and a rebellion that is fighting against oppression. I love the fact that we still get all the characters, but this book focuses heavily on Amira and Evander's story, and the setting has changed. We are no longer on the island, but the mainland is just as terrifying.
What to Expect
🥬Book 3 in the series
🥬Dystopian Romance
🥬Multiple POVs
🥬Strong FMC
🥬Corrupt Government
🥬Slow Burn
🥬Banter
🥬Found Family
In this book Amira's loyalty to Briar forces her to become intertwined with the ILF, a resistance movement fighting against the New America World Order. She is forced to step back into an environment that nearly destroyed her, but she refuses to let it define her or what she is capable of. The author intertwines flashbacks into the story, so the readers learn more about her personal history and how her involvement in the resistance is deeply personal bringing emotional depth to the story. I love Amira's character, she is fiercely protective, deeply wounded, and unwilling to abandon the people she loves. She is a survivor, a protector, and a loyal friend. I love that the author explores all sides of her character. She has scars and carries fear, but she is also strong and resilient. She is strong because she keeps going while carrying fear, anger, and the memories she can't erase. I love how emotionally complex she is and the amount of growth she goes through in this book. She starts to understand that independence does not necessarily mean isolation and that accepting support does not make you weak. Through Amira's character we see the lasting impact of oppression and trauma and the struggle to reclaim control of your life afterwards.
"Strength can't be seen in the sunlight. When it's dark, and you think you've given everything you have, and all you want to do is lie down and quit, that's when you find your strength."
Evander is a quiet, controlled, and mysterious character who is paired with Amira by the ILF to go on a mission on the mainland to help with the resistance movement. His characteristics make him intriguing because while reading you feel that there is so much more under his exterior. Partnered with Amira, we have two guarded individuals that have to navigate a world where vulnerability can be dangerous. The forced proximity between these two creates so much tension but their lack of trust gives the connection between the two room to develop. The dynamics between the two helped create the slow burn that kept me turning the pages. Their romance adds an emotional aspect to the story without overshadowing the rebellion.
"I now know that the fiercest, most violent emotion is actually love, because I'd destroy anyone who tried to hurt her without flinching."
Now let's talk about this ending. Brenda Rothert has put me through emotional turmoil. The cliffhangers she continues to leave me on should be absolutely criminal. I am so sad that I have to wait for the next book, but I can't wait for the day I have it in my hands.
October 31, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released called, Ember Rising. This is book three in the Blue Arrow Island series, picking up right where book two left off. I feel like I can't say much without spoiling the previous books, and I definitely don't want to spoil anything because these books are just so freaking fantastic! Getting multiple povs and timelines throughout this story was so much fun! Going with different characters on different adventures, getting background stories on different characters, getting the pov of new characters was all so entertaining and kept me turning the pages for more! I don't know what Brenda puts in these books, but this series is wildly addicting, I feel as utterly captivated with this series as I did with The Hunger Games as a teenager and I don't get that feeling about a series often! This book and this whole series kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning til the very end! I am so eager for book four and I don't know how I'm supposed to possibly wait after an ending like that! 💚📚
Thank you to Brenda Rothert for this ARC of Ember Rising, in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Brenda Rothert for this ARC of Ember Rising, in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2026
I can’t believe the things that happens in this book actually happen. I felt like I was right along with them for the journey. Having like so many other povs of my favorite characters was a very nice surprise.
The suspense and the plot had me hooked!!! I was big sad when I finished it but luckily it’s not the last one 🙌🏼
Highly recommend 😮💨😍
❤️🔥Dystopian
❤️🔥Spicy
❤️🔥Multiple pov
❤️🔥Fighting for justice
❤️🔥Found family
❤️🔥Banter
❤️🔥Slow burn
❤️🔥Corrupt government
The suspense and the plot had me hooked!!! I was big sad when I finished it but luckily it’s not the last one 🙌🏼
Highly recommend 😮💨😍
❤️🔥Dystopian
❤️🔥Spicy
❤️🔥Multiple pov
❤️🔥Fighting for justice
❤️🔥Found family
❤️🔥Banter
❤️🔥Slow burn
❤️🔥Corrupt government
November 3, 2026
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
This one really left ya hangin!
This one really left ya hangin!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really love this series! It's giving The Handmaid's Take meets Lost in the best way possible. I absolutely ate up the first two books and am so excited I got to read this one as well!
I was hoping for more plot to be given, but this book was mostly centered on current and new relationships it seemed like. And while I love all the characters and their relationship developements, I would've liked to see more happen with the actual plot. The last 20% did have some plot thickening though and I will absolutely be reading the next book when it comes!!
I was hoping for more plot to be given, but this book was mostly centered on current and new relationships it seemed like. And while I love all the characters and their relationship developements, I would've liked to see more happen with the actual plot. The last 20% did have some plot thickening though and I will absolutely be reading the next book when it comes!!
October 20, 2026
Brenda Rothert has officially earned the title of “Queen of Cliffhanger Endings”! Every single book in this series delivers a pulse-pounding, high-stakes ending that leaves you absolutely desperate for the next installment.
Picking up immediately where Crimson Shore left off, Book 3 of The Blue Arrow Island series hits the gas pedal from page one and never lets up. What makes Ember Rising stand out so brilliantly is that while it continues Briar and Marcus’s journey, it brings Amira and Evander directly into the spotlight—and wow, do they steal the show! Told through four distinct point-of-view perspectives, the multi-POV execution here is flawless. The character switches are seamless, distinct, and leave zero room for confusion, creating a fast-paced narrative that had me completely hooked. I literally had to force myself to put this book down and get some sleep! It is intense, relentless, and bring a box of tissues—you’re going to need them more than once.
Amira and Evander have quickly become my absolute favorite characters in the series. Both carry deep-seated trauma, and their personal journeys have built thick armor around them. Evander projects a militant, stoic, and cold-hearted exterior to protect himself, while Amira—a brilliant and exceptionally talented champion archer—uses snark, quick wit, and sharp wisecracks to mask her vulnerabilities. Underneath those hardened walls, Brenda Rothert crafts two deeply human, profoundly relatable trauma survivors trying to navigate a ruthless world. Paired with masterclass world-building that makes you feel completely entrenched in the atmosphere of Blue Arrow Island, this story grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.
If you haven’t started this series yet, you are seriously missing out!
Books 1 and 2 (Blue Arrow Island and Crimson Shore) are available NOW on Kindle Unlimited! Ember Rising releases in just three days, on October 23, 2026! Set your reminders, add it to your TBR, and get your preorder in now! Book 4 is already set to release in Summer 2027!
Thank you to Brenda Rothert for the opportunity to read this ARC!
+++ I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. +++
Picking up immediately where Crimson Shore left off, Book 3 of The Blue Arrow Island series hits the gas pedal from page one and never lets up. What makes Ember Rising stand out so brilliantly is that while it continues Briar and Marcus’s journey, it brings Amira and Evander directly into the spotlight—and wow, do they steal the show! Told through four distinct point-of-view perspectives, the multi-POV execution here is flawless. The character switches are seamless, distinct, and leave zero room for confusion, creating a fast-paced narrative that had me completely hooked. I literally had to force myself to put this book down and get some sleep! It is intense, relentless, and bring a box of tissues—you’re going to need them more than once.
Amira and Evander have quickly become my absolute favorite characters in the series. Both carry deep-seated trauma, and their personal journeys have built thick armor around them. Evander projects a militant, stoic, and cold-hearted exterior to protect himself, while Amira—a brilliant and exceptionally talented champion archer—uses snark, quick wit, and sharp wisecracks to mask her vulnerabilities. Underneath those hardened walls, Brenda Rothert crafts two deeply human, profoundly relatable trauma survivors trying to navigate a ruthless world. Paired with masterclass world-building that makes you feel completely entrenched in the atmosphere of Blue Arrow Island, this story grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.
If you haven’t started this series yet, you are seriously missing out!
Books 1 and 2 (Blue Arrow Island and Crimson Shore) are available NOW on Kindle Unlimited! Ember Rising releases in just three days, on October 23, 2026! Set your reminders, add it to your TBR, and get your preorder in now! Book 4 is already set to release in Summer 2027!
Thank you to Brenda Rothert for the opportunity to read this ARC!
+++ I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. +++
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series! It’s so much fun, I love it!
Everyone is off doing their own thing, secrets are unraveling, and somehow every answer comes with two brand new questions.
When it was announced that this was going to be mostly Amira’s story, I was a little bummed. I wanted Briar and Marcus! But I formally withdraw my concerns because apparently I love Amira’s story even more!
I enjoyed Amira’s strength, brain, and how much she’s had to overcome to become who she is. She has some iffy moments but in the new world, you’re just trying to live and get to tomorrow. She’s found her person in Briar and I find that friendship really special.
Now, Amira and Evander…. Their story completely won me over.
Sunflower. Melt.
The pacing had some slower stretches, but that last 10%? Revelations, wins, twists, chaos… everything we needed.
Pay attention to the comms at the beginning of each chapter. I love those little snippets and they feel worth reading closely.
After book two, I was slightly worried we were heading too far into sci-fi territory for me, but the author knew exactly what they were doing. It’s balanced perfectly and this story kept everything I loved about this series.
This was a perfect lead up to the final book.
* I was fortunate to receive an ARC. This is an honest review. 🤍
Everyone is off doing their own thing, secrets are unraveling, and somehow every answer comes with two brand new questions.
When it was announced that this was going to be mostly Amira’s story, I was a little bummed. I wanted Briar and Marcus! But I formally withdraw my concerns because apparently I love Amira’s story even more!
I enjoyed Amira’s strength, brain, and how much she’s had to overcome to become who she is. She has some iffy moments but in the new world, you’re just trying to live and get to tomorrow. She’s found her person in Briar and I find that friendship really special.
Now, Amira and Evander…. Their story completely won me over.
Sunflower. Melt.
The pacing had some slower stretches, but that last 10%? Revelations, wins, twists, chaos… everything we needed.
Pay attention to the comms at the beginning of each chapter. I love those little snippets and they feel worth reading closely.
After book two, I was slightly worried we were heading too far into sci-fi territory for me, but the author knew exactly what they were doing. It’s balanced perfectly and this story kept everything I loved about this series.
This was a perfect lead up to the final book.
* I was fortunate to receive an ARC. This is an honest review. 🤍
October 25, 2026
Yo the stakes just got a WHOLE LOT higher. Did I finish this book in a day. Yes, yes I did. Idk what kinda crack is in this series but I INHALE these books.
They made it to the mainland - but was shortly divided into teams of 2 and scattered across the US
Evander & Amira teamed up, said screw you ICF, and ended with them in a top secret president bunker after solving the riddle - thought he beat Apollo- and hoping to put an end to New America. The Deadman wants her ironically dead, and they are just a massive group of people killling innocent people for fun and she left the group because it was so horrific and took being arrested and almost killed over staying with them.
Evander is such a cutie- a badass seal & SHE had to TEACH him ok. He fell fast and HARD for her- he left his position in the ICF just because of how devoted he was to her.
Bair & Marcus went to try and save her sister all for her to say she enjoys the life she has now and to make Brair swear she’s never coming back to get her.
Then Pax’s partner Abby, her only remaining relative her aunt VIRGINIA was killed by Bair and now she wants revenge and wants to kill Bair. And Pax is a devoted Bair fan now and it’s just so funny because he was denied SEX all book and he was so not used to it.
Can’t wait for book 4
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
They made it to the mainland - but was shortly divided into teams of 2 and scattered across the US
Evander & Amira teamed up, said screw you ICF, and ended with them in a top secret president bunker after solving the riddle - thought he beat Apollo- and hoping to put an end to New America. The Deadman wants her ironically dead, and they are just a massive group of people killling innocent people for fun and she left the group because it was so horrific and took being arrested and almost killed over staying with them.
Evander is such a cutie- a badass seal & SHE had to TEACH him ok. He fell fast and HARD for her- he left his position in the ICF just because of how devoted he was to her.
Bair & Marcus went to try and save her sister all for her to say she enjoys the life she has now and to make Brair swear she’s never coming back to get her.
Then Pax’s partner Abby, her only remaining relative her aunt VIRGINIA was killed by Bair and now she wants revenge and wants to kill Bair. And Pax is a devoted Bair fan now and it’s just so funny because he was denied SEX all book and he was so not used to it.
Can’t wait for book 4
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
October 25, 2026
𝟯.𝟳𝟱⭐️𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 #𝟯) 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘁.
𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀, “𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘁𝗼𝗼.”
For the third installation of this dystopian series we leave the island for the mainland and fractured America. Book 3 gives us Amira and Evander who make an unlikely pair. Amira is a little like a fish out of water out on the mainland. She came for Briar and is struggling with being there. Evander is the strong silent type with a strong protective instinct. I enjoyed getting both of their backstories.
I continue to love this series, but I honestly missed the island lush tropical setting. And needed more of Amira and Evander to get fully invested in them. We get multi-POV here with Pax, Briar and Marcus and Amira and Evander. It feels a little incomplete but I trust the final and fourth instalments will bring me the closure I crave.
I love how Briar and Marcus continue to be completely horny as the world burns around them and Pax is forever insufferable. 🥰🔥
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟺 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳. 𝘗𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘛𝘉𝘙 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘴. Thank you to the author Brenda Rothert for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄. • 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗗𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻. • 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲/𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. • 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄.
𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀, “𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘁𝗼𝗼.”
For the third installation of this dystopian series we leave the island for the mainland and fractured America. Book 3 gives us Amira and Evander who make an unlikely pair. Amira is a little like a fish out of water out on the mainland. She came for Briar and is struggling with being there. Evander is the strong silent type with a strong protective instinct. I enjoyed getting both of their backstories.
I continue to love this series, but I honestly missed the island lush tropical setting. And needed more of Amira and Evander to get fully invested in them. We get multi-POV here with Pax, Briar and Marcus and Amira and Evander. It feels a little incomplete but I trust the final and fourth instalments will bring me the closure I crave.
I love how Briar and Marcus continue to be completely horny as the world burns around them and Pax is forever insufferable. 🥰🔥
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝟺 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳. 𝘗𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘛𝘉𝘙 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘴. Thank you to the author Brenda Rothert for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄. • 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗗𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻. • 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲/𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. • 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was like I Am Legend had a baby with Divergent!! 🔥🙌🏻 It was refreshing to read a post-apocalyptic story with a unique spin that took me on one wild ride!
Amira 🖤 Her story is heartbreaking, but I absolutely loved seeing how resilient she is. She’s got that “I don’t take shit from anyone” attitude, and I was here for it! 💪🏻🔥 Despite everything she’s been through, she continues to fight, and I couldn’t help but root for her.
Evander 🥵⚔️ This man is a lethal force to be reckoned with, but underneath that dangerous exterior is someone battling some seriously crippling guilt. I loved seeing that softer, more vulnerable side of him and getting a glimpse of the weight he’s carrying.
Watching these two navigate their crazy, dangerous journey together was such a ride! I loved seeing them work through everything thrown their way and how their individual struggles shaped their journey.
If you love resilient FMCs, dangerous MMCs with a tortured side, and a high-stakes survival story, add this one to your TBR! 🔥📖🖤
Amira 🖤 Her story is heartbreaking, but I absolutely loved seeing how resilient she is. She’s got that “I don’t take shit from anyone” attitude, and I was here for it! 💪🏻🔥 Despite everything she’s been through, she continues to fight, and I couldn’t help but root for her.
Evander 🥵⚔️ This man is a lethal force to be reckoned with, but underneath that dangerous exterior is someone battling some seriously crippling guilt. I loved seeing that softer, more vulnerable side of him and getting a glimpse of the weight he’s carrying.
Watching these two navigate their crazy, dangerous journey together was such a ride! I loved seeing them work through everything thrown their way and how their individual struggles shaped their journey.
If you love resilient FMCs, dangerous MMCs with a tortured side, and a high-stakes survival story, add this one to your TBR! 🔥📖🖤
November 1, 2026
Being back in the world of Briar made me happy! I fell in love with this series from book 1.
I wasn’t perpetrated to be heavily invested in another couple though! Evander & Amira. These 2 pulled on my heartstring and I was rooting for them when they got paired up. If Evander had died.. tears would have been shed. I’m on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen with the Deadmen now. Especially that they have found the bunker they are taking shelter in.
This book followed the stories of Briar, Marcus, Evander, Amira and a new character Abby (PLOT TWIST AT THE END THERE). The plot twist kept coming. I did not see the situation with Mae unfolding how it did. I need to know more there, what’s happening. I’m also really intrigues to see how they’re still connected to the plants, animals etc even though they’re no longer on the island. The carrot was dangled well with this its left me hungry for more answers.
Ember Rising has set the scene really well for the final book in the series and I cant wait to see how the rest of this plays out.
I wasn’t perpetrated to be heavily invested in another couple though! Evander & Amira. These 2 pulled on my heartstring and I was rooting for them when they got paired up. If Evander had died.. tears would have been shed. I’m on the edge of my seat wondering what’s going to happen with the Deadmen now. Especially that they have found the bunker they are taking shelter in.
This book followed the stories of Briar, Marcus, Evander, Amira and a new character Abby (PLOT TWIST AT THE END THERE). The plot twist kept coming. I did not see the situation with Mae unfolding how it did. I need to know more there, what’s happening. I’m also really intrigues to see how they’re still connected to the plants, animals etc even though they’re no longer on the island. The carrot was dangled well with this its left me hungry for more answers.
Ember Rising has set the scene really well for the final book in the series and I cant wait to see how the rest of this plays out.
October 28, 2026
Ember Rising is the third book in the Blue Arrow Island series by Brenda Rothert.
This is AGAIN another 5 star review for the series. I am obsessed with everything about it. This book focused a bit more on two of the side characters from the series, Amira and Evander. I LOVED getting to know more about these two, their backgrounds, and now their partnership and beyond.
One of the other things that I really enjoyed was the fact that we still followed Briar, Marcus and Pax during the story as well. While the emphasis may not have been on them, we weren't left with a major gap of the main characters and their story. We still got see them on their own missions picking up where our last story left off.
This series continues to blow my mind in all of the best ways! The balance between character development, action, flashbacks to characters' pasts, and romance should really be studied.
5 stars to one on my all time favorite series, I can't wait to see how this story ends!
This is AGAIN another 5 star review for the series. I am obsessed with everything about it. This book focused a bit more on two of the side characters from the series, Amira and Evander. I LOVED getting to know more about these two, their backgrounds, and now their partnership and beyond.
One of the other things that I really enjoyed was the fact that we still followed Briar, Marcus and Pax during the story as well. While the emphasis may not have been on them, we weren't left with a major gap of the main characters and their story. We still got see them on their own missions picking up where our last story left off.
This series continues to blow my mind in all of the best ways! The balance between character development, action, flashbacks to characters' pasts, and romance should really be studied.
5 stars to one on my all time favorite series, I can't wait to see how this story ends!
October 31, 2026
🔥 ARC REVIEW 🔥
🤯 Damnnnnn….I didn’t want this to end! This was an excellent 3rd book in this epic dystopian 😍💯 definitely a lot of similarities to today’s political climate 👀🤭 the women in this story are sooo BA!! ❤️🔥💁🏻♀️💪🏼 I loved it so much 🫶🏼 now I guess I have to wait for book 4…🫠😜 if you loved book 1 & 2 you will continue to love book 3! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
A “few” of my favorite quotes . . .
💪🏼 “F— the patriarchy.” “If there was a time to say f— bras, we’re in it. The apocalypse is no time for underwire.” “…But I’m not shrinking myself to make anyone more comfortable ever again.” “Yes. All of it. Down with the billionaires.”
🔥 “People who anoint themselves into powerful positions rarely handle it well.” “A man who makes quick decisions is decisive, but a woman who does is a loose cannon?”
🤍 “There are more good people like us than there are of them.” “A democratic society is only as good as it treats its worst people.” “Not everyone is evil and self-serving.”
🤯 Damnnnnn….I didn’t want this to end! This was an excellent 3rd book in this epic dystopian 😍💯 definitely a lot of similarities to today’s political climate 👀🤭 the women in this story are sooo BA!! ❤️🔥💁🏻♀️💪🏼 I loved it so much 🫶🏼 now I guess I have to wait for book 4…🫠😜 if you loved book 1 & 2 you will continue to love book 3! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
A “few” of my favorite quotes . . .
💪🏼 “F— the patriarchy.” “If there was a time to say f— bras, we’re in it. The apocalypse is no time for underwire.” “…But I’m not shrinking myself to make anyone more comfortable ever again.” “Yes. All of it. Down with the billionaires.”
🔥 “People who anoint themselves into powerful positions rarely handle it well.” “A man who makes quick decisions is decisive, but a woman who does is a loose cannon?”
🤍 “There are more good people like us than there are of them.” “A democratic society is only as good as it treats its worst people.” “Not everyone is evil and self-serving.”
November 5, 2026
I find it weird to say, but I miss the Island. In this one our people are split three ways. With Amira we learn more about her past and what has happened to her since the virus hit. I do love how she used her smarts at the end, doing what no one else could. It will be interesting to see how that plays out in the next book.
With Pax, he's still thinking with his little head, not his big head. I do love how he got shot down and was such a pissy little boy after. I do find Abby's last minute revelation to be interesting. Looks like it will cause a show down at some point.
Briar finally found her sister, but didn't get the welcome and relief of a way out that she thought she would. It does seem like something is off there, guess we will have to wait until the next book to find out for sure.
With Pax, he's still thinking with his little head, not his big head. I do love how he got shot down and was such a pissy little boy after. I do find Abby's last minute revelation to be interesting. Looks like it will cause a show down at some point.
Briar finally found her sister, but didn't get the welcome and relief of a way out that she thought she would. It does seem like something is off there, guess we will have to wait until the next book to find out for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from the author.
I’m obsessed with Amira! She was so strong and relatable. I was laughing out loud so many times at the stuff she was constantly saying to Evander. I really enjoyed Evander and all his broodiness. I loved reading about their journey and it felt like I was on the edge of my seat so many times. The only reason this isn’t a 5 star for me is that the book was too short, because there were so little Evander chapters, we didn’t get to see his journey from finding Amira mildly annoying to being in love and obsessed with her so his feelings felt kinda rushed to me.
THAT ENDING THOUGH… I didn’t see it coming and I’m gonna need the next book asap Brenda!!!
I’m obsessed with Amira! She was so strong and relatable. I was laughing out loud so many times at the stuff she was constantly saying to Evander. I really enjoyed Evander and all his broodiness. I loved reading about their journey and it felt like I was on the edge of my seat so many times. The only reason this isn’t a 5 star for me is that the book was too short, because there were so little Evander chapters, we didn’t get to see his journey from finding Amira mildly annoying to being in love and obsessed with her so his feelings felt kinda rushed to me.
THAT ENDING THOUGH… I didn’t see it coming and I’m gonna need the next book asap Brenda!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book, and that twist at the end was so good! My biggest struggle was adjusting to the shift in focus. After spending the first two books getting so attached to Briar and Marcus, I went into this one hoping for more of their story. I missed them and didn’t quite feel the same connection with Amira and Evander which made it a little harder for me to get into this book.
That said, it’s still a great story. I think my expectations and attachment to the original characters played a big part in how I felt. Even though I wanted more of Briar and Marcus, there was still plenty to enjoy, and the ending definitely left an impression!
Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC. These are my honest thoughts and thankful to have gotten the chance to read!
I really enjoyed this book, and that twist at the end was so good! My biggest struggle was adjusting to the shift in focus. After spending the first two books getting so attached to Briar and Marcus, I went into this one hoping for more of their story. I missed them and didn’t quite feel the same connection with Amira and Evander which made it a little harder for me to get into this book.
That said, it’s still a great story. I think my expectations and attachment to the original characters played a big part in how I felt. Even though I wanted more of Briar and Marcus, there was still plenty to enjoy, and the ending definitely left an impression!
Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC. These are my honest thoughts and thankful to have gotten the chance to read!
October 21, 2026
“Without books, I’d be in a dark place mentally. Book characters are my only friends out here. Being able to escape into their worlds is how I survive the bleakness of the real one.”
First, thank you to the author for the privilege of this gifted eARC. This is my honest review.
I love this series. It’s so very good. It’s timely, it’s thought provoking and it’s encouraging. I am a huge fan of Marcus and Briar but appreciated the slight change of MC’s in this third installment of the series. We get two more perspectives, two more stories about how this virus and the years after have changed their lives. We get different struggles but it’s the same ultimate goal. Amira and Evander bring even more humanity into the mix with their past trauma, need for something to believe in and difficulty trusting anyone.
“Nothing is promised in the postvirus world, but that kiss, and finally getting some vulnerability from him, are mine to keep forever.”
There is danger, fear, excitement, twists, love, healing and the conviction to keep fighting. While I’m looking forward to seeing how our characters end up in the last book, I’m not ready to say goodbye to this series.
First, thank you to the author for the privilege of this gifted eARC. This is my honest review.
I love this series. It’s so very good. It’s timely, it’s thought provoking and it’s encouraging. I am a huge fan of Marcus and Briar but appreciated the slight change of MC’s in this third installment of the series. We get two more perspectives, two more stories about how this virus and the years after have changed their lives. We get different struggles but it’s the same ultimate goal. Amira and Evander bring even more humanity into the mix with their past trauma, need for something to believe in and difficulty trusting anyone.
“Nothing is promised in the postvirus world, but that kiss, and finally getting some vulnerability from him, are mine to keep forever.”
There is danger, fear, excitement, twists, love, healing and the conviction to keep fighting. While I’m looking forward to seeing how our characters end up in the last book, I’m not ready to say goodbye to this series.
October 29, 2026
Love this one!
I wasn’t sure I’d really enjoy new characters, but they made the book even better!
I really enjoyed the multi POVs even getting so see Pax. Loved them all.
It was also super exciting to see the story take on a different location. I enjoyed seeing Amira and Vander go in their adventure, i do think they moved a little fast and bit insta lovey for my taste.
I felt like there needed to be more Briar and Marcus though, and more on what they’d been doing. I wasn’t surprised with how her sister reacted, I kind of saw it wouldn’t go to plan.
I can’t wait to see how the series will end! It left on some interesting cliff hangers in so keen to see how it will all play out.
I wasn’t sure I’d really enjoy new characters, but they made the book even better!
I really enjoyed the multi POVs even getting so see Pax. Loved them all.
It was also super exciting to see the story take on a different location. I enjoyed seeing Amira and Vander go in their adventure, i do think they moved a little fast and bit insta lovey for my taste.
I felt like there needed to be more Briar and Marcus though, and more on what they’d been doing. I wasn’t surprised with how her sister reacted, I kind of saw it wouldn’t go to plan.
I can’t wait to see how the series will end! It left on some interesting cliff hangers in so keen to see how it will all play out.
October 26, 2026
Brenda Rothert is out here making it impossible to have a normal bedtime. 😭 The cliffhangers, the angst, THE EMOTIONS.
Amira and Evander absolutely stole this book for me. Two traumatized, emotionally guarded characters with enough walls between them to build a fortress, and somehow I’m already obsessed. The pacing is addictive, the POV switches work beautifully, and I genuinely could not put this thing down.
Another incredible addition to the series, and now I have to sit here and wait until 2027 for the next one. Rude. 🫠
Amira and Evander absolutely stole this book for me. Two traumatized, emotionally guarded characters with enough walls between them to build a fortress, and somehow I’m already obsessed. The pacing is addictive, the POV switches work beautifully, and I genuinely could not put this thing down.
Another incredible addition to the series, and now I have to sit here and wait until 2027 for the next one. Rude. 🫠
November 3, 2026
Dystopian is one of those genres that absolutely terrifies me, but in the best way possible. I think it's the “all bets are off” vibes that I have a love/hate relationship with and this third installment of Brenda Rothert’s Blue Arrow Island series has only intensified my respect for this type of writing. This book was dark and twisty, but so beautiful at its core. The multiple POVs are perfect for a story this big. When I say big, I am referring to the depth and span of how this story has grown from book one. If you haven’t started this journey yet, you are truly missing out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am absolutely loving this series. I love how in this book, we are getting more points of view from the side characters from the other two books now that they are all in different parts of the country. The secrets/lies....and that CLIFFHANGER. What the heck Brenda???
I have said this before and I will say it again. I could def see this being a TV show/Movie and I can't wait to see how this series concludes!
I have said this before and I will say it again. I could def see this being a TV show/Movie and I can't wait to see how this series concludes!
October 26, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Author
The real test? This book pulled me out of my reading slump! I loved Amira, Van and the multiple POVs from our beloved characters, along with meeting new ones.
The Author does a great job of reminding readers about people and events from the first two books without skipping a beat. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. I love this series so much!
Thank you Brenda Rothert for the ARC opportunity.
The real test? This book pulled me out of my reading slump! I loved Amira, Van and the multiple POVs from our beloved characters, along with meeting new ones.
The Author does a great job of reminding readers about people and events from the first two books without skipping a beat. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. I love this series so much!
Thank you Brenda Rothert for the ARC opportunity.
October 29, 2026
I read this in like a day!! Was really surprised with how much it gripped me throughout different characters on their respective adventures. My heart ached for Amira the entire time. And THAT ENDING!!! I just need to know what happens next and I’m so glad the fourth book will be out in 2027!! This whole series just really took a turn for the best, this might have been my favorite one of the whole series!
October 29, 2026
Loved this book and Amira's story, I was hoping for more of Marcus & Brair as I loved these too, but this one did not disappoint.
This book brings Amira & Evander to the forefront of the story. Amira is a strong person and has the attitude to go with it. Evander is the brooding man who battering some demons.
Reading this book and watching these two who have survived past traumas navigate their journey in this story was well worth read.
And again what an ending.
Roll on the next book please 😍
This book brings Amira & Evander to the forefront of the story. Amira is a strong person and has the attitude to go with it. Evander is the brooding man who battering some demons.
Reading this book and watching these two who have survived past traumas navigate their journey in this story was well worth read.
And again what an ending.
Roll on the next book please 😍
October 31, 2026
To start, I LOVE the multiple POVs in this series! I have been obsessed from the beginning, and of course she had to end this one on a cliffhanger. 😭
Just like I said with the last two books, I cannot wait for the next one to come out. This is such a great adult dystopian series, and I will once again be begging to read it early! 😂
I also cannot wait until this comes out in paperback so I can add it to my collection! 📚❤️
Just like I said with the last two books, I cannot wait for the next one to come out. This is such a great adult dystopian series, and I will once again be begging to read it early! 😂
I also cannot wait until this comes out in paperback so I can add it to my collection! 📚❤️
November 1, 2026
Sigh. This was so good. Adventure, love, betrayal, suspense. All of it.
Briar and Marcus continue to search for her sister Mae in New America in order to save her, but plot twist, Mae doesn’t want to leave. Gasp!
Amira is falling for Evander only to be tricked by him but he’s falling for her too and then he helps her break out of the ILF hub and they reconcile and all is forgiven and SWOON. Can’t wait for the fourth book in this series!!!
Briar and Marcus continue to search for her sister Mae in New America in order to save her, but plot twist, Mae doesn’t want to leave. Gasp!
Amira is falling for Evander only to be tricked by him but he’s falling for her too and then he helps her break out of the ILF hub and they reconcile and all is forgiven and SWOON. Can’t wait for the fourth book in this series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2026
Ugh I love this series so much
Notes for next book:
- briar and Marcus found Mae but she doesn’t want to be rescued
-Evander and Amira made it to a top secret fall out base
- The deadmen found Amira right at the gate and nearly killed them
- pax is partnered with the niece of Veronica who was killed by briar. So she wants to kill Briar
Notes for next book:
- briar and Marcus found Mae but she doesn’t want to be rescued
-Evander and Amira made it to a top secret fall out base
- The deadmen found Amira right at the gate and nearly killed them
- pax is partnered with the niece of Veronica who was killed by briar. So she wants to kill Briar
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2026
Wow this book was so good! And I’m so glad that Amira was included. This book had me hooked. There are so many dynamics and I loved every minute. I’ve been reading Brenda’s book for years and I don’t see this ever changing. The end of this book had me so excited for the next book. Read this book and thank me later!
October 23, 2026
I love this whole series! My only complaint is how long I have to wait for book 4! This book has such good story building that I would've jumped right into book 4 if it was out. Overall a great book in an amazing series 🩷
October 24, 2026
This cliff hanger are you kidding me I’m sick 😭 I love this series so much, a dystopian thriller with actually plot and a bit of spice, this is a seriously underrated series and I can’t wait for the next book. Here’s hoping for a happy ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews