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Gretel #4
Anika Rising
From the bottom of a lake, deep in the Back Country, death takes a turn. Within a day of being struck down by Hansel, Anika has risen. The cruel, addictive infection of Marlene's poison has protected Anika from the finality of death. But the resurrection is not without a price. She has a new hunger, and its lure is irresistible. Anika sees suicide as the only option, until she learns of a new terror in the world, one related to the Witch of the North and which threatens the lives of her children. Anika must now find the threat and destroy it before it kills her children.
Audiobook
First published March 23, 2018
218 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Coleman
23 books144 followersChristopher Coleman lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in English Literature. A fan of classic and modern horror and thriller movies, his favorite movies are Rosemary's Baby and The Ring. When he's not writing fiction, you can find him reading, taking his kids to and from various sporting activities or watching horror movies with his wife who shares his affinity for the horror genre. His books will creep you out and leave you scared to turn off the lights and go to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 25, 2019
This book is mostly about Anika and Petr and very little to do with Gretel and Hansel. Still it wasn't a bad story. It didn't hold the same intrigue for me the first two had, or even the 3rd. But I like the series as a whole and couldn't let it go unfinished. Now there is a 4th one out and I am curious to know what that one is about. I'm hoping there will be more Gretel and Hansel but also Petr, who is my favorite character.
July 26, 2018
Yet another great addition to the Gretel series! I feel like I'm deeply invested in this series and it's characters now. I can't wait for the 5th book to come out and see where it goes from here!
*5 Stars
*5 Stars
October 28, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series so far, including Anika Rising.
The only bad thing I have to say about this one is that there were A LOT of name mix ups. Calling Heinrich by Georg’s name. Petr by Hansel’s. Tanya by Anika’s. Context made it clear who it was supposed to be, and it didn’t confuse me at all. Just a bit annoying. Like the book wasn’t proof read very well before publishing. I noticed small mixups like this in the previous books. Very minor and rare. But definitely there. This book was much worse though. Like the author couldn’t even keep the names straight in his own head when writing it and somehow no one else notice before publishing either..
Other than that, I loved this one. The story was great. Seeing how Anika fights her instincts and tries to get herself back for her family made me hope for the best for her. Petr changed a bit in this one too and it was great getting to see more of him in this book, instead of as a background character in the others. Can’t wait to read the next one.
The only bad thing I have to say about this one is that there were A LOT of name mix ups. Calling Heinrich by Georg’s name. Petr by Hansel’s. Tanya by Anika’s. Context made it clear who it was supposed to be, and it didn’t confuse me at all. Just a bit annoying. Like the book wasn’t proof read very well before publishing. I noticed small mixups like this in the previous books. Very minor and rare. But definitely there. This book was much worse though. Like the author couldn’t even keep the names straight in his own head when writing it and somehow no one else notice before publishing either..
Other than that, I loved this one. The story was great. Seeing how Anika fights her instincts and tries to get herself back for her family made me hope for the best for her. Petr changed a bit in this one too and it was great getting to see more of him in this book, instead of as a background character in the others. Can’t wait to read the next one.
July 10, 2025
Well, this was... ok, Like I enjoyed it though some of the moral decisions were interesting. Either way I'll be finishing the series cause I'm already this far in.
September 6, 2020
As with comic books, it sure appears people in Christopher Coleman's Gretel series don't stay dead. If you haven't read this series of book--and cannot decipher what is going to happen based on this installment's title--then stop reading now.
If you are still reading, I guess you can figure that Anika's pereived death at the bottom of the lake didn't last long. Seems that potion is quite powerful and allowed her to somehow survive in the murky depths and rise for more action. While a bit hard to swallow (pun intended), it still makes for a good continuation of the story.
I have found that Coleman is certainly very good at steadily increasing tension as the book develops, but sometimes spends too much time describing scenes and characters' ruminations. I do belive he shares much in common in this vein with Stephen King, who takes us on a long, long journey, but the destination often leaves us disappointed. The same happens here, as the author builds the scene for a cataclysmic confrontation between two Titans, but when that confrontation finally occurs, it is over way too quickly and leaves the reader saying, "Really?" That is really a shame, as the story he weaves is quite engrossing.
If you are still reading, I guess you can figure that Anika's pereived death at the bottom of the lake didn't last long. Seems that potion is quite powerful and allowed her to somehow survive in the murky depths and rise for more action. While a bit hard to swallow (pun intended), it still makes for a good continuation of the story.
I have found that Coleman is certainly very good at steadily increasing tension as the book develops, but sometimes spends too much time describing scenes and characters' ruminations. I do belive he shares much in common in this vein with Stephen King, who takes us on a long, long journey, but the destination often leaves us disappointed. The same happens here, as the author builds the scene for a cataclysmic confrontation between two Titans, but when that confrontation finally occurs, it is over way too quickly and leaves the reader saying, "Really?" That is really a shame, as the story he weaves is quite engrossing.
May 25, 2025
If the first three books in the Gretel series built a world of eerie suspense and relentless horror, Anika Rising takes it even deeper into the darkness. This fourth installment shifts focus to Anika, who, after being struck down by Hansel, rises again—but not without consequences.
Anika’s story resonated with me on a different level—it wasn’t just about survival, but transformation, about the battle within. Her struggle felt raw, personal, a reflection of how change, even when forced upon us, can be both liberating and terrifying.
Reading this made me think about the way we all wrestle with parts of ourselves—the hunger to be more, the fear of losing control, the fight to protect the ones we love even when the odds feel impossible. Coleman’s ability to weave deep psychological tension with relentless horror is masterful, and Anika’s journey proves that sometimes, survival is more than just staying alive—it’s deciding who you’re going to become.
This book was unsettling, gripping, and left me contemplating its themes long after I turned the last page. If you’re ready for a read that pushes the boundaries of dark fantasy, this is it.
⭐ Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and horror!
Anika’s story resonated with me on a different level—it wasn’t just about survival, but transformation, about the battle within. Her struggle felt raw, personal, a reflection of how change, even when forced upon us, can be both liberating and terrifying.
Reading this made me think about the way we all wrestle with parts of ourselves—the hunger to be more, the fear of losing control, the fight to protect the ones we love even when the odds feel impossible. Coleman’s ability to weave deep psychological tension with relentless horror is masterful, and Anika’s journey proves that sometimes, survival is more than just staying alive—it’s deciding who you’re going to become.
This book was unsettling, gripping, and left me contemplating its themes long after I turned the last page. If you’re ready for a read that pushes the boundaries of dark fantasy, this is it.
⭐ Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and horror!
January 5, 2020
I was hoping this book would take off right after the end of the third book but instead we go back to the events at the end of the second book. Which is OK, there were some unresolved plots there. I was wondering where Petr was while the events of the third book were taking place. I also wasn't buying Anika being dead, despite Hansel's guilty belief that he killed her. I'm not sure how integral to the whole story this book was, could you skip it and lose track of anything? Well that remains to be seen based on the next book. I enjoyed seeing Anika take charge as a predator. Her personality change between victimized mother and remorseless hunter wasn't particularly obvious, mainly because she always came across as rather cold and pragmatic to begin with. It was nice seeing Petr take charge and not second guess his every thought and interaction based on Gretel. Not really sure where this story is going now. Not sure how long the author can entice me to read more books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
kindle unlimited, getting odd well odder but still keeping up with series
From the bottom of a lake, deep in the Back Country, death takes a turn.
Within a day of being struck down by Hansel, Anika has risen. The cruel, addictive infection of Marlene's poison has protected Anika from the finality of death. But the resurrection is not without a price. She has a new hunger, and its lure is irresistible. Anika sees suicide as the only option, until she learns of a new terror in the world, one related to the Witch of the North and which threatens the lives of her children.
Anika must now find the threat and destroy it before it kills her children.
Gretel (Gretel Book One)
Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two)
Hansel (Gretel Book Three)
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3
Anika Rising (Gretel Book Four) {NOT part of 3 pack}
other various books, see amazon/goodreads listings
From the bottom of a lake, deep in the Back Country, death takes a turn.
Within a day of being struck down by Hansel, Anika has risen. The cruel, addictive infection of Marlene's poison has protected Anika from the finality of death. But the resurrection is not without a price. She has a new hunger, and its lure is irresistible. Anika sees suicide as the only option, until she learns of a new terror in the world, one related to the Witch of the North and which threatens the lives of her children.
Anika must now find the threat and destroy it before it kills her children.
Gretel (Gretel Book One)
Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two)
Hansel (Gretel Book Three)
The Gretel Series: Books 1-3
Anika Rising (Gretel Book Four) {NOT part of 3 pack}
other various books, see amazon/goodreads listings
May 11, 2018
Anika Rising
I honestly think Christopher Coleman is a great author, he’s definitely got a way of making you feel as though you’re right there in the scene. Though he sometimes used words that I’d never heard of in my life, I guess someone’s gotta do it. And, at the end of the fourth book, the teenager suddenly has a name change...
In this fourth installment of Gretel, I was really looking forward to an end, however, when I got to the end of the book the author stated he was working on a fifth book! So now there’s no ending yet!
Therefore I really don’t want to say much about this one due to giving up any spoilers. I’ll just say I liked it, and Im very much looking forward to the next installment of the series!
I honestly think Christopher Coleman is a great author, he’s definitely got a way of making you feel as though you’re right there in the scene. Though he sometimes used words that I’d never heard of in my life, I guess someone’s gotta do it. And, at the end of the fourth book, the teenager suddenly has a name change...
In this fourth installment of Gretel, I was really looking forward to an end, however, when I got to the end of the book the author stated he was working on a fifth book! So now there’s no ending yet!
Therefore I really don’t want to say much about this one due to giving up any spoilers. I’ll just say I liked it, and Im very much looking forward to the next installment of the series!
April 5, 2018
Christopher Coleman is a master of writing horror, and I am a proud member of his ARC team. This gripping tale of Anika and her adventure with Petr to the Easternlands does not disappoint. The gruesome things that happen along the way once again show Anika's strength of character, as well as her weakness. This series is so horrifying you don't want to read it, but you can't stop! Once you start you have to find out what happens to this family no matter the trauma.
May 27, 2018
OMG! What an ending👏
When I started this journey I wasn't quite sure I was going to get into it, but what a journey it was! I can only hope that this Author, who has won my heart, by the way, will see fit to continue with these character's stories. There are others to hunt I'm sure😉 I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed these books and hope that you give them a go, I only know that you will NOT be sorry!
When I started this journey I wasn't quite sure I was going to get into it, but what a journey it was! I can only hope that this Author, who has won my heart, by the way, will see fit to continue with these character's stories. There are others to hunt I'm sure😉 I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed these books and hope that you give them a go, I only know that you will NOT be sorry!
September 2, 2018
The final threat gone?
Anika has risen from her watery grave, but the new thrust she has is worst than the option was, so she decides to commit suicide until a voice warns her that her children are in danger from Marlene's mother, Tanja. With Petr's help she heads to the Eastern Lands to stop Tanja, will they succeed?
The fourth book of this thriller increases the violence and the suspense to the final page.
Jo-Ann Doyle
Anika has risen from her watery grave, but the new thrust she has is worst than the option was, so she decides to commit suicide until a voice warns her that her children are in danger from Marlene's mother, Tanja. With Petr's help she heads to the Eastern Lands to stop Tanja, will they succeed?
The fourth book of this thriller increases the violence and the suspense to the final page.
Jo-Ann Doyle
March 27, 2018
The lives of Gretel, Hansel and Petr continue following the traumatic events in their past. Moving on to new places and meeting new people, the characters we have come to love seek out clues about their family secret. Christopher Coleman has created a wonderful series with characters who are amazingly real. Don't miss Anika Rising!
April 1, 2018
I'm not really the horror type of read person but when I find one that can catch my interest and makes me want to read the next one and the next one and the next one then thats a very good read in my book. Christopher gives a twist on a classic from childhood. I would love to see this turned into a movie. I think it would awesome on the big screen.
September 9, 2018
My thoughts of Anika Rising
The book had a lot of action and was straight to the point,there was no lingering in the revealing of the plot. I would have liked a little more background on Tanja and to see where Anika's new being is taking her. To anyone who likes a fast paced horror thriller,this is it.
The book had a lot of action and was straight to the point,there was no lingering in the revealing of the plot. I would have liked a little more background on Tanja and to see where Anika's new being is taking her. To anyone who likes a fast paced horror thriller,this is it.
September 20, 2018
Happy it was a jump back in time
Glad it was filling in pieces between book 2 and 3 but would've liked to have had seen some old characters. Again, good details going through book but felt too rushed going into ending. Happy another installment is coming but am hoping for less rushing of ending as the last few books have been.
Glad it was filling in pieces between book 2 and 3 but would've liked to have had seen some old characters. Again, good details going through book but felt too rushed going into ending. Happy another installment is coming but am hoping for less rushing of ending as the last few books have been.
October 6, 2018
A wonderful continuation of the last 3 books. The action doesn't stop and the reader feels compelled to continue reading to find out what happens with Anika and Petr. I was a bit disappointed in the lack of attention to Gretel and Hansel, but hopefully book 5 will resolve that! I look forward to it!
January 11, 2019
Headline (required)
Once again, a very good read from author Christopher Coleman. Amazing how a fairy tale from our youth can be worked into today's world. Now it'll wait for the next book in the series, and I'm quite sure it will be in my library so I can put the temporary finishing touches on it. Many thanks to the author.
Once again, a very good read from author Christopher Coleman. Amazing how a fairy tale from our youth can be worked into today's world. Now it'll wait for the next book in the series, and I'm quite sure it will be in my library so I can put the temporary finishing touches on it. Many thanks to the author.
January 21, 2019
I have to give this a 3 star. It was not as compelling as the other 3 in the series. To be honest, this entire book should have been the first few chapters of the last in the series. It was clear by early in this one that nothing was going to be wrapped up. Will read book 5 as long as it’s the last in the series. End this already and stop dragging us readers along
March 7, 2019
I love it!
Some resolutions for and questions answered for this fan girl and I cannot wait for book 5 in this series! If you haven't read Gretel then your in for a rare treat! Start out with Gretel and I promise you'll be hooked with the captivating tale of the Morgan's and their friends.
Some resolutions for and questions answered for this fan girl and I cannot wait for book 5 in this series! If you haven't read Gretel then your in for a rare treat! Start out with Gretel and I promise you'll be hooked with the captivating tale of the Morgan's and their friends.
February 7, 2020
Whoa, what a story!
This series is intense! So, Anika is not dead as assumed. Instead, she's more or less undead and on a mission. She feels there is a threat to her children and heads to the Eastern Lands to track it down. But she's being hunted by the one she is hunting. Gotta love the opportunity for conflict!
This series is intense! So, Anika is not dead as assumed. Instead, she's more or less undead and on a mission. She feels there is a threat to her children and heads to the Eastern Lands to track it down. But she's being hunted by the one she is hunting. Gotta love the opportunity for conflict!
March 27, 2020
After reading the first 3 books, I was very impatient to read this one I was not disappointed as the narrative was entertaining and fast paced with an unexpected twist. Anika presumed to be dead has a new lease of life but this has its drawbacks. However, it does not impede her quest to protect her children from a new threat
August 12, 2020
As I started "Anika Rising", I wonder how Mr. Coleman was going to add another story to this line of books, but he managed to pull me in again! I love how he uses each character to tell a different chapter in the "Gretel" series. As with the other books, I could not put this book down. Stayed up late at night to finish this book. I highly recommend this series.
March 2, 2025
Back from the dead
Well look who is back. Anika has risen from the dead. But why? What is her purpose? Why has she been resurrected? This book follows Anika on her voyage from the New Country to the Eastern Lands where she is being called to. What or who will be there when she arrives? Highly recommend
Well look who is back. Anika has risen from the dead. But why? What is her purpose? Why has she been resurrected? This book follows Anika on her voyage from the New Country to the Eastern Lands where she is being called to. What or who will be there when she arrives? Highly recommend
April 26, 2018
Awesome
It feels like I waited forever for this book. It was totally awesome!!!! This is a really cool, creepy retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It keeps getting better with each new book in the series. Can't wait until the next book comes out! I'm sure it'll be another 5* from me.
It feels like I waited forever for this book. It was totally awesome!!!! This is a really cool, creepy retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It keeps getting better with each new book in the series. Can't wait until the next book comes out! I'm sure it'll be another 5* from me.
July 27, 2018
Another thrilling adventure!
What a thrill ride from start to finish. I can't read these books fast enough! Great storyline vivid characters and descriptions with wild plot twists that make you read on to find out what's going to happen next. Can't wait for the next one
What a thrill ride from start to finish. I can't read these books fast enough! Great storyline vivid characters and descriptions with wild plot twists that make you read on to find out what's going to happen next. Can't wait for the next one
January 9, 2019
Good
The first two books were amazing. The third was pretty good. This one seemed a bit lacking, but I am committed to the story and I obviously have to know what happens next. I will be reading the next installment
The first two books were amazing. The third was pretty good. This one seemed a bit lacking, but I am committed to the story and I obviously have to know what happens next. I will be reading the next installment
March 12, 2019
Great series!
When I first started this series I was doubtful. How much can the original tale be retold. I was extremely happy with this series! The witches are still terrifying, and the other characters are great! I cannot wait for book five to be released.
When I first started this series I was doubtful. How much can the original tale be retold. I was extremely happy with this series! The witches are still terrifying, and the other characters are great! I cannot wait for book five to be released.
August 23, 2019
These books end like a shotgun blast
That’s the only bad thing i have to say about them. I gave this book 4 stars because while it was good and again I couldn’t put it down, the end is just doesn’t cut it for me. On to read the next one.
That’s the only bad thing i have to say about them. I gave this book 4 stars because while it was good and again I couldn’t put it down, the end is just doesn’t cut it for me. On to read the next one.
May 5, 2020
Just as exciting as book 3!
I never stop being amazed at Christopher Coleman 's descriptions of characters and settings in each book! I once again read this in a few days, I didn't want to put it down!
I never stop being amazed at Christopher Coleman 's descriptions of characters and settings in each book! I once again read this in a few days, I didn't want to put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews