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Network Saga #2

Rise of the Demigods

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Never underestimate the power of a prepared witch.

Bianca Monroe wants one thing: to create and lead a Sisterhood of Protectors. She might be the only one that thinks it's a good idea.

With demigods in Alkarra, and a frustrated Council attempting to usurp her father, Bianca is faced with opposition on every side. When her desire to defend the Central Network with a Sisterhood is rebuffed by everyone whose support she thought she’d have, she’s forced to find a new path.

Meanwhile, the influence of god magic grows in Alkarra. Reports of unexpected spells, strangers in the land, and crumbling Network ties abound.

Will Bianca assemble the support she needs to defend the Network from this unknown enemy?

Or will she be forced to find the strength to forge her own path?

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2022

23 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Katie Cross

102 books777 followers
My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Jane Gilbert.
104 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2025
Katie Cross has created a world that flies high above the realm of ordinary imagination. That is because there is nothing ordinary about Katie Cross or the magical world of Alkarra.

Anyone who has followed Bianca Monroe’s journey since MISS MABEL’S SCHOOL for GIRLS knows that Bianca is an extraordinarily talented witch. We all felt the heartache along when Bianca watched her mother killed. Then we were there when she lost Isadora, a watcher witch Bianca admired and respected, a witch who had waited years for Bianca’s arrival at Miss Mabel’s. Amid all this loss and grief, Bianca discovered a strength she never realized she had. A strength she will need to call upon now more than ever.

Alkarra is changing. Before the demigod Bram was sent back to the land of the gods to be punished for his crimes, he announced that he was not the only demigod in Alkarra. In fact, he let everyone know that demigods were everywhere in Alkarra. Derek Black and the other high priests and priestesses find themselves fighting an invisible enemy. This enemy is not only invisible but also seems to have magic more powerful than any witch has ever seen. How will they defend themselves against power they cannot see and do not understand.

The second installment of Katie Cross’s NETWORK SAGA exceeds expectations. Katie Cross fans knew the book would be good. No one knew it would be THIS good.

If you are new to Katie Cross Fantasy and Alkarra, go back to FLAME, DRAGONMASTER TRILOGY BOOK 1. Get to know Isadora and Sanna, sister witches who were raised without magic. Follow their evolution into two of the most powerful witches in all Alkarra. Once you finish the DRAGONMASTER TRILOGY, read MILDRED’S RESISTENCE, and then move on to the NETWORK SERIES, which begins with MISS MABEL’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Learn why Isadora has waited years for Bianca Monroe to arrive at Miss Mabel’s and see how Isadora helps Bianca grow into the witch she is today.

A word of warning, however: once you pick up FLAME, you will not want to put it down, and you will be hungry for the next book. Whether you read printed copies, e-books, or listen to audio, you will travel a rollercoaster of emotion unlike any other fantasy series you have ever read. Prepare for long nights of reading and anxiety during the times you must stop reading for mundane things like eating and sleeping. You will want to get back to these books as quickly as you can to see what happens next. Although I have read the books, I am now listening to the audiobooks. Each time I listen, I discover something new about the world of Alkarra and the witches there.
Profile Image for G.S. Jennsen.
Author 52 books516 followers
March 2, 2022
Worlds Collide As the Struggle For Alkarra Begins

Bianca has her magic back—at a cost that may come to haunt her—and none too soon. Demigods move in secret across the Networks, advancing their nefarious plans from the shadows. An ineffectual Council stymies every attempt by Bianca or her father to address the threat, so she, of course, takes matters into her own hands, forging new alliances as she fights to build a Sisterhood to protect Alkarra.

But something has changed inside Bianca since she touched the god magic, and now, even as she hunts the demigods, they, too, hunt her. And when their trap springs at last and a new manner of war arrives in Alkarra, she will once again find herself at the center of the maelstrom. But she won’t be alone.
Profile Image for Andy Gonzalez De M.
46 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2022
This is such a great read!! And so are the books and novellas before it… The world of Alkarra is amazing. I was so excited about going back and seeing all this lovely characters that have become like old friends to my heart.
I enjoyed the journey and need more!!! If you love magic, dragons, great stories and super interesting characters, Bianca’s Story and those of the witches that came before her, are whole heartedly recomended. I encourage you to read and discover a world of witches, dragons, and magic, once you enter the world of Alkarra, and travel through all the Networks, you will not want to leave. Thank you Katie for sharing all this beautiful characters and enchanting places with us, continuing Bianca’s journey has been a blast! Cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Laila Savolainen.
Author 78 books14 followers
March 2, 2022
Wow, I'm so fully emotional invested in Katie's world of Alkarra, through all of its history and the future adventures to come and Rise of the Demigods delivers the goods. I couldn't wait to see what happened next, yet that meant when the end of the novel came I was left wanting Bianca's story to continue now.
I have read all of Series involving Alkarra, and love them all. Katie never wastes words, keeps the action coming and creates a world the reader can feel a part of.
Bring on The Forgotten Gods...
Profile Image for Mary Renner.
35 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2022
The book was amazing!!! Like read it too quickly because I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for more!!!!!

Bianca continues to find herself and figure out the different magic. She is leaning on friends and learning she can help the Network without changing who she is or what she wants.

This entire series is a must read if you like strong female characters and magic!
Profile Image for Bright Book Reviews.
285 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2022
Another amazing read!

How can you defend against an enemy you don’t fully understand? How can you find your way when no one will support you?

Fans of the Network Series will love returning to Alkarra where Bianca struggles to realize her plans for a Sisterhood of Protectors while the threat of Demigods bears down on an already unstable alliance of Networks.

5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
My only complaint is when I come to the end of these books. I just want more!

The Network Series was the start of it all and if you have not yet read it
you should visit Miss Mables School for Girls found here:

https://katiecrossbooks.com/products/...
Profile Image for Louise Wade.
7 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
So I started reading Katie's books in December. I had got Miss Mabel's School For Girls a little earlier when it was free on Amazon, but didn't actually start any of them until I purchased the whole series as part of a black Friday discount. When I started, I thought I'd go through them at the pace that reading has taken me for a few years, which is usually a few weeks per book, but within a few chapters I was hooked and managed to regain a love for reading I hadn't had for years. But that's for another review.

With Rise of the Demigods, I started it directly after finishing The Lost Magic, which is ideal, considering it continues the story from The Lost Magic. I found that this took me about 4 days to get through, which was mostly due to having work and uni taking up a lot of my time. Every time I had to put down my Kindle, I was stuck wondering if I should stay up an extra 15 minutes to read some more, even if it meant getting less sleep. I'm not sure what it is, but Katie seems to have me wanting to know more and more with each part I read.

I won't go into spoiler territory, especially considering this is the 6th book in this world featuring this set of characters, but I would recommend giving the series a read if you like magic, dragons (they don't feature much in this specific title) and just magical fantasy in general. I believe Katie's current recommendation for newcomers is Flame, which is part of another series set in the same world, but about 120ish years prior to the ones with this character, just because there are elements from that prequel series that are important here, plus it means that when you get to the stories with this set of characters, you can just go through them all one after the next without having to jump around like if you read them in publication order.

So yeah, buy this book if you've read and enjoyed the previous ones, but if you haven't, then it may not be as enjoyable because this is the second part of one subseries, as well as the sixth part of an ongoing story featuring this set of characters, so you'll be thrown in at the deep end and have a lot of stuff spoiled for you, so just start at the beginning at that point.
Profile Image for Sharon.
326 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2022
Rise of the Demigods, the second novel in the Network Saga is fantastic.  I don’t know how Katie Cross does it, but everything about the world of Alkarra that she has created continues to enchant. Every character stays true to their history while facing new challenges, adventures, and hopes. In this story, Bianca is determined to get the Sisterhood of Protectors out of the “idea” stage….but she struggles with finding anyone else to support the idea in a meaningful way. At the same time, she suspects demigods are present in Alkarra, and they might be the biggest threat since Mabel almost destroyed, well, everything.  Who can Bianca trust? Who will trust her? I had my hopes as the story unfolded, and while some events played out as I wanted, others led to big surprises.  


If you haven’t read any of the Katie Cross fantasy books yet, start with Miss Mabel’s School for Girls or Flame. Once you’ve read those series, you’ll be ready for The Lost Magic, and then this amazing book. You’ll love them, I promise!
48 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2022
Wow, what a ride! Katie has done it again, I think this is her best yet. Bianca (little trouble maker) is at it again, proving to herself and everyone else just what she’s made of when she realizes the future of the sisterhood. This book has twists and turns that leaves you wanting more. This is book #6 in The Network Series/Saga. If you haven’t read any of Katie’s books you’ll want to start at the beginning with Flame. Flame brings you into the world of dragons, witches and magic.
Profile Image for Loni.
83 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
This book was amazing! Another great Katie Cross book that takes you away to Alkarra. I love the strength that Bianca finds in herself. And I love how Katie gives this strength to her female characters in her writing. This book kept me on the edge of my seat with the different twists and turns and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
35 reviews
March 26, 2022
Katie has done it again! I fell in love with Bianca’s story in the Network Series and am continuing to love her character in this new series. I loved all the twists and turns and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Thanks for such a great book! If you are looking to start your Alkarra journey, check out, Flame, the first book of the Dragonmaster Trilogy! There are dragons, magic and Goddesses to keep you guessing as to what will happen next! Katie Cross gives us well developed characters and keeps us entertained and invested in the outcome of Isadora’s and Sanna’s adventures. Get you free ebook or audiobook here: Free Audiobook Page: https://kcrosswriting.ac-page.com/fla...
Free Ebook: https://kcrosswriting.ac-page.com/fla...
1 review
March 4, 2022
Returning to Bianca’s world is ALWAYS a treat! I love to escape to Alkarra! Bianca’s life is never boring, and I cannot wait for the next book. If you love witches, magic, creative characters, great story lines, strong girls and women, and lots of action, you will love these books! Bianca is a wonderful inspiration and role model for young girls, and this installation of her life and adventures does not disappoint! I highly recommend all of Katie Cross’s books, and this one is no exception!
Profile Image for Leanne Pert.
96 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2022
What a great follow up to Biancas story. Carrying on from Lost Magic, Rise of the Demigods continues Biancas story to regain her magic and rid the realm of the demigods. Brilliantly written and the character progression is amazing.
25 reviews
March 5, 2022
Katie Cross's latest book “ Rise of the Demigods” is a book you can't put down once you start reading it.
While this is book 2 of the network saga and can be read alone, reading her book "Flame" gives the back story of Alkara, Gods and Goddesses and dragons (all good books need dragons hiding somewhere.) Following that you will begin to see how a feisty young girl survives in her world of magic where everyone is a witch. In Rise of the Demigods she has survived wars, kidnapping, and loss of her magic. Now she faces an even more daunting task, demigods where did they come from? Only those who have read ancient history have heard of the gods and of mortals who don't have magic. Now all of Alkara is being faced with death and destruction. It's up to Bianca to rise above and use the unknown magic she possesses to overcome the odds. Can she do it?
4 reviews
March 7, 2022
Rise of the Demigods is enjoyable for all readers, but I recommend it especially for young women, because the novel is primarily about the difficulty of a strong young woman trying to find a meaningful place in a world ruled mostly by men, where the existing power structures favor men. This novel includes several of the characters we know from the earlier “Network Series," and the time frame is not long after War of the Networks. Bianca is once again the central character, trying to defend the Central Network (and Alkarra itself) from the demigods who want to establish themselves there. She needs to understand how to harness her new and existing magical powers in order to protect her world and the ones she loves. As with other books in the Network Series and Network Saga, once the author builds the world and begins the central conflict, the novel really takes off, and then it’s really hard to put it down. If you liked the Network Series/Network Saga novels, you’ll definitely enjoy this one, and you’ll welcome the growth of the various characters you’ve grown to know and love.
252 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2022
Amazing!

I love this series! I love the magic and world building. I love to escape my own reality and live in Bianca's world for a few hours whenever I can! There is always something I didn't expect and things I can't see coming....and it is always exciting! They always keep me coming back and wanting more. The story is complete, no cliff hangers to worry about...but always a possibility to fulfill. Simply amazing!
Profile Image for Dana.
23 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
I love the world of Alkarra and Bianca Monroe! Alkarra is magical and filled with witches, strong women (who are a bit irreverent), magic, intrigue, political upheaval and more! If you are new to Alkarra and the Network, you may want to start with Flame - and go way back to the beginning.
12 reviews
March 5, 2022
Katie has done it again! Rise of the Demigods is the second book in the Network Saga. This continuation of the story is epic and has amazed me with its creativity and how it pieces together the worlds of Alkarra and Alaysia. The story just keeps getting better and better!
20 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
What a trio of magical series!

What a continuation of Bianca’s saga! This is an engaging, suspenseful, clever story filled with surprising twists, and maybe even a touch of romantic jealousy. As much as you’ll enjoy this book, second in the Network Saga, you’ll get much more out of it if you start further back in Bianca’s tale by reading the Network Series books prior to the Network Saga books. Also essential to knowing all characters and locales related to the Network fantasies is taking a further step back and reading The Dragonmaster Trilogy prior to the Network volumes. The first Dragonmaster Trilogy book is “Flame”, your ticket to setting the stage for diving into a world of dragons, witches, goddesses, conflicts and relationships. Enjoy the fantasy ride throughout the trio of magical series, starting with “Flame” and continuing on right through “Rise of the Demigods”.

Back to Bianca, my first introduction to her, and Katie Cross, was actually in “Miss Mabel’s School for Girls”, the first book in the Network Series. I read it and “Flame” in 2018, and I read the books in the three series somewhat out of chronological order, such as reading the Network Series prequel, “Mildred’s Resistance”, in 2019. Between the four years’ time span of reading all of books and reading them in a slightly jumbled order, I do tend to forget some details and become confused about what happened when and to whom and in which series. It would be great if you can read the books, short stories and novellas in chronological order and in a shorter time span than four years. It took me a couple chapters in “Rise of the Demigods” to sort out a few details in my memory of what had happened previously, but once I was hooked into the story, it flowed smoothly. Another fantastic read from Katie! Bring on the next chapter!
Profile Image for Eve Adam.
4 reviews
March 5, 2022
Lions, Tigers & Bears? No, Dragons, Witches & Demigods!
Now that’s my cup of tea!
Katie Cross continues Bianca’s story in the second book of the Network Saga, Rise of the Demigods. In the world of Alkarra there’s magic and witches, but very few still believe in the legends of Goddesses and Gods. To add to the mix, no humans have been seen in thousand of years. Rumors of Demigods in Alkarra have created major conflict and it appears finding or tracking the Demigods is impossible.
Bianca has her work cut out for her!
This book furthers the development of the original characters and the introduction to new ones.

I love this book! It satisfies my love of fantasy and adventure.
I’ve been a fan of Katie Cross since reading The Dragon Master Trilogy. Where it all began!
Enjoy Flame!
Free Audiobook Page to Share: https://kcrosswriting.ac-page.com/fla...
Free Ebook Page to Share: https://kcrosswriting.ac-page.com/fla...
1 review
March 5, 2022
What an experience! Katie Cross gives yet another fabulous fantasy escape with Rise of the Demigods. Bianca is such a strong character whom I’ve rooted for since my first taste of the land of Alkarra in Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. In the following Dragonmaster trilogy, starting with Flame, Katie Cross adds Dragons to the mix! They’re just the penultimate fantasy creature—don’t miss these treasures!
And now Demigods! And Bianca—a powerful and talented witch—trying as ever to save the Networks having lost her magic.
These books made me feel all the emotions a book can share. Giving you a realistic character who shows just how much power a girl can have.
Be bold, be brave, be fierce, strong, stubborn and caring… Girl Power!
2 reviews
March 5, 2022
If you love magic, mystery, Gods, and Goddesses then this is the book for you. In Katie Cross's second novel about the adventurous Bianca Monroe, you will be transported to a magical land. Katie knows just how to draw you in so make sure you have plenty of time for reading because it will be difficult to stop. This novel is a roller coaster ride of adventure. How will Bianca create the sisterhood with everyone seeming to work against her, will old love's flame be reignited, how will she save Alkarra, her friends, and family, keep a promise to a goddess? The only way to know is to get reading. Way to go Katie. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!!
2 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2022
Team Bianca all the way!
This is hands down my absolute favorite story Katie has written to date!! And I have read all her stories and always think it can't get better and here she weaves her magic once again! This story has all kinds of new magicks and Bianca is figuring out whole new sides of her - magically . I love her passion for creating the Sisterhood when she gets turned down every step of the way but she sure is persistent! And girl, does her persistence pay off? It sure does!! She shows she can take on the Demigods all on her own. Go Team Bianca!!
2,436 reviews
March 5, 2022
Absolutely, fantastically, brilliant. An uprising. Too many demigods and amulets. The Sisterhood begins but not as planned. Hidden demigods. A useless council. Cold, cold winter. Volunteers. A ruined sword. Viveet. Whispering trees. Amulets. Secret Passages. Tiny birds. Alkarra. Danger. A plan. OMG, what on earth is going to happen in the next book. Can't wait.
Profile Image for Kelsey Keating.
Author 7 books83 followers
March 5, 2022
Favorite yet!

I’ve read almost all of Katie Cross’ books, but this one (aside from Mildred’s Resistance) is my new favorite. I loved the way everything amped up and really became a challenge, plus god magic? So fun. I’m excited to see Alaysia (sp?) in the next installment!
17 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2022
Wow! Katie Cross does not disappoint! This is another excellent addition to the Network Saga, and a very happy event for all of us Bianca Monroe fans waiting anxiously for the next adventure! Witches, dragons, gods and demigods, political intrigue, deception and so much magic, good and evil -- what's not to love!
If you are new to the world of the Network and Alkarra, I suggest you start with Miss Mabel's School for Girls to get to know the world and the characters, and then move on to the Dragonmasters. (Flame is free at the moment here so grab it: https://kcrosswriting.ac-page.com/fla...

48 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2022
There is no stopping Bianca when she sets her mind on something. And now with her goddess and god magic creating havoc things just get more interesting. This book was a nonstop adventure ride. Katie always brings new elements into the story that are unexpected and rewarding. You are always surprised by the new twists and turns the story takes. I have loved all of the Alkarra books and the story just gets better and better. It will be an excruciating wait until the next book comes out. It helps that Katie comes out with novellas that give some back stories in between the main novels. Katie thanks for this truly magical world. I am so glad I found it.
70 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2024
What was Bianca thinking? With god magic and goddess magic within her simultaneously, things don’t feel quite right. And they’re not. Torn between a desire to start The Sisterhood and loyalty to her father and the work he’s doing with the High Council and the other Networks to make life better after the War, when will there be time for her to mend her relationship with Merrick or make amends with Leda? And what of Baxter, whose presence pulls her in a different direction after a chance encounter with a mortal girl, Ava, changes Bianca’s life as she knows it. We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto, with this installment of The Network Series!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
60 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
"Try me, Demigod"

Wow, right? I am a fan of Katie Cross and I love her fantasy books. They take place in a magical world called Alkarra and each time I get a new book and go back to Alkarra, it’s like coming home. I love that the main character, Bianca, is a strong, independent young woman and I love that she surrounds herself with other strong female characters. But don’t get me wrong, the men in Alkarra are just as amazing! If you are new to Katie Cross and Alkarra, I recommend starting with “Flame”, the first novel in her Dragonmaster Trilogy. Yes, dragons! Happy reading!
Profile Image for Tara.
99 reviews
March 21, 2022
Interesting magical read which took a little while for me to be glued to the storyline. I found I sometimes forgot things from the previous book so gentle reminders were helpful. I would like to see more romance or friendships form instead of everything being about battle. Bianca could potentially be in a love triangle. I love her strong nature and drive for the Sisterhood. She is an inspiring main chracter. I can't wait for the next one to see what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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