What do you think?
Rate this book
Rising #1
The Rising
From acclaimed thriller-suspense novelists Heather Graham and Jon Land comes a story of action, mystery, and the endurance of young love in The Rising.
Alex Chin is a football star and Homecoming King: the classic all-American teen, raised in a loving fashion with all the opportunities his parents could give him. His tutor, Samantha Dixon, is preparing to graduate high school at the top of her class. She plans to turn her NASA internship into a career. Their world is turned upside down when a football accident lands Alex in the hospital . . . and his CT scan yields abnormal results.
His doctor is murdered. Then, his parents. Death seems to follow him wherever he goes, and now it's after him. Alex flees. He tells Samantha not to follow, but she became involved the moment she walked through his door and found Mr. and Mrs. Chin as they lay dying in their home. She cannot abandon the young man she loves. The two race desperately to stay ahead of Alex's attackers long enough to figure out why they are hunting him in the first place. The answer lies with a secret buried deep in his past, a secret his parents died to protect. Alex always knew he was adopted, but he never knew the real reason his birth parents abandoned him. He never knew where he truly came from—until now.
Alex Chin is a football star and Homecoming King: the classic all-American teen, raised in a loving fashion with all the opportunities his parents could give him. His tutor, Samantha Dixon, is preparing to graduate high school at the top of her class. She plans to turn her NASA internship into a career. Their world is turned upside down when a football accident lands Alex in the hospital . . . and his CT scan yields abnormal results.
His doctor is murdered. Then, his parents. Death seems to follow him wherever he goes, and now it's after him. Alex flees. He tells Samantha not to follow, but she became involved the moment she walked through his door and found Mr. and Mrs. Chin as they lay dying in their home. She cannot abandon the young man she loves. The two race desperately to stay ahead of Alex's attackers long enough to figure out why they are hunting him in the first place. The answer lies with a secret buried deep in his past, a secret his parents died to protect. Alex always knew he was adopted, but he never knew the real reason his birth parents abandoned him. He never knew where he truly came from—until now.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 17, 2017
375 people are currently reading
1987 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,889 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
November 5, 2018
Decent but lightweight YA SF thriller. Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
In The Rising (2017), Alex Chin is a rising star, the handsome blond quarterback of his high school football team, dating the head cheerleader. His Chinese adoptive parents are concerned about his grades not being good enough, and his nerdy tutor Samantha, a classmate with plans for a career at NASA, hounds him to work harder at school, while nursing a secret and seemingly hopeless crush on Alex. He also has strange dreams that cause him to fill a drawing pad with detailed drawings of a world filled with menacing machines. Other than those minor drawbacks, though, Alex has what he thinks is an ideal life.
But Alex’s plans for football glory may be crushed when he’s severely injured playing football in a regional championship. When the hospital doctor takes a CT scan, it shows a mysterious shadow in his brain. A second CT scan is aborted when something causes the bulbs in the scanner to burst, along with all the lights in the room. That’s just the start of the events that completely upend Alex’s life: He discovers that his doctor has been murdered, and then Sam finds Alex’s parents dying in their home. When Alex sneaks out of the hospital and goes back to his home with Sam, they’re confronted by the strange beings that killed his parents. These odd-looking (and smelling) beings tell Alex that he doesn’t belong here and that he must come with them.
Alex fights them, then he and Sam go on the run, always just one step ahead of the chase: not only by these beings that want to take him with them, but also by a group of well-funded vigilante humans who are convinced that there are aliens among us who need to be exterminated. And Alex … might be an alien. But he might also be the one person that can save humanity.
The Rising, a young adult novel, mixes science fiction with suspense, a mystery, and just a little romance. The authors, Heather Graham and Jon Land, are best known in the mystery-suspense and romance genres, and that background informs their approach to this SF thriller. It’s a fast-paced, light read, moving quickly from one confrontation and narrow escape to another, with key plot points and revelations gradually disclosed along the way to keep the reader’s interest in the mystery alive.
The “young adult read” vibes are very strong in The Rising. The lead characters are high school seniors, and the adult characters are generally one-dimensional, particularly the villains. Just in case it’s not clear from one pursuer’s history of kills and his cold-blooded murder of an innocent character that he’s a bad guy, the authors briefly mention the otherwise irrelevant fact that he’s a pedophile. Time travel and space travel are briefly explained using wormhole and folded space theories, but otherwise the science is given short shrift. Aliens are shown to have affected the perception of Alex and Sam in one key early scene, but then that power ― which could have dramatically changed the course of events in this novel ― never is used again. Well, perhaps later in the upcoming sequel(s).
The chapters are only a few pages each (there are 105 chapters in this 397-page book, plus a prologue, an epilogue, and a couple of journal entries that bookend the novel). These brief chapters tend to end in mini-cliffhangers that sometimes have an exasperatingly anticlimactic resolution in the next chapter or two: Oh no! A pair of red eyes is staring at Alex when he opens the closet! … no worries, it’s just an old pager with flashing red lights. Also, while the ending isn’t precisely a cliffhanger, it’s abundantly clear that the characters have only won the opening battle in a war that endangers all of humanity.
For these reasons, I don’t recommend The Rising to more mature readers or those looking for a complex or insightful read. I do think, though, that teens who like action-oriented SF will think that this is a great read. It’s hard to put down, and the plot has originality as well as several twists along the way. I plan on handing The Rising to my fourteen year old son, and I have every confidence that it will really appeal to him.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Macmillan, in exchange for a review. Thank you!
In The Rising (2017), Alex Chin is a rising star, the handsome blond quarterback of his high school football team, dating the head cheerleader. His Chinese adoptive parents are concerned about his grades not being good enough, and his nerdy tutor Samantha, a classmate with plans for a career at NASA, hounds him to work harder at school, while nursing a secret and seemingly hopeless crush on Alex. He also has strange dreams that cause him to fill a drawing pad with detailed drawings of a world filled with menacing machines. Other than those minor drawbacks, though, Alex has what he thinks is an ideal life.
But Alex’s plans for football glory may be crushed when he’s severely injured playing football in a regional championship. When the hospital doctor takes a CT scan, it shows a mysterious shadow in his brain. A second CT scan is aborted when something causes the bulbs in the scanner to burst, along with all the lights in the room. That’s just the start of the events that completely upend Alex’s life: He discovers that his doctor has been murdered, and then Sam finds Alex’s parents dying in their home. When Alex sneaks out of the hospital and goes back to his home with Sam, they’re confronted by the strange beings that killed his parents. These odd-looking (and smelling) beings tell Alex that he doesn’t belong here and that he must come with them.
Alex fights them, then he and Sam go on the run, always just one step ahead of the chase: not only by these beings that want to take him with them, but also by a group of well-funded vigilante humans who are convinced that there are aliens among us who need to be exterminated. And Alex … might be an alien. But he might also be the one person that can save humanity.
The Rising, a young adult novel, mixes science fiction with suspense, a mystery, and just a little romance. The authors, Heather Graham and Jon Land, are best known in the mystery-suspense and romance genres, and that background informs their approach to this SF thriller. It’s a fast-paced, light read, moving quickly from one confrontation and narrow escape to another, with key plot points and revelations gradually disclosed along the way to keep the reader’s interest in the mystery alive.
The “young adult read” vibes are very strong in The Rising. The lead characters are high school seniors, and the adult characters are generally one-dimensional, particularly the villains. Just in case it’s not clear from one pursuer’s history of kills and his cold-blooded murder of an innocent character that he’s a bad guy, the authors briefly mention the otherwise irrelevant fact that he’s a pedophile. Time travel and space travel are briefly explained using wormhole and folded space theories, but otherwise the science is given short shrift. Aliens are shown to have affected the perception of Alex and Sam in one key early scene, but then that power ― which could have dramatically changed the course of events in this novel ― never is used again. Well, perhaps later in the upcoming sequel(s).
The chapters are only a few pages each (there are 105 chapters in this 397-page book, plus a prologue, an epilogue, and a couple of journal entries that bookend the novel). These brief chapters tend to end in mini-cliffhangers that sometimes have an exasperatingly anticlimactic resolution in the next chapter or two: Oh no! A pair of red eyes is staring at Alex when he opens the closet! … no worries, it’s just an old pager with flashing red lights. Also, while the ending isn’t precisely a cliffhanger, it’s abundantly clear that the characters have only won the opening battle in a war that endangers all of humanity.
For these reasons, I don’t recommend The Rising to more mature readers or those looking for a complex or insightful read. I do think, though, that teens who like action-oriented SF will think that this is a great read. It’s hard to put down, and the plot has originality as well as several twists along the way. I plan on handing The Rising to my fourteen year old son, and I have every confidence that it will really appeal to him.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Macmillan, in exchange for a review. Thank you!
June 12, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, young adult, science fiction mystery novel. It is fast paced with a likable and intelligent female protagonist, an strong and engaging male protagonist, suspense, action, adventure, and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. Luke Daniels, does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.
August 29, 2017
Amazing book! I love that amid all the aliens, there was so much humanity between our main characters. As a young adult story, the teenage voice was accurate and honest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there will be sequels!
August 28, 2017
My original The Rising audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
The Rising is a collaboration between prolific writers Heather Graham and Jon Land. It is a science-fiction type suspense novel with a little, clean romance thrown in. It seems geared towards young adults.
While I often enjoy young adult novels with well-developed characters, I was a little disappointed with the simplistic young adult vibe in this. The two high school protagonists are likeable characters but rather stereo-typed: Alex Chin, the star quarterback with the cheerleader girlfriend, and Samantha Dixon, the brainy overachiever who interns at NASA and who tutors Alex and has been harboring a secret crush on him. The one thing that makes Alex stand out a bit is the fact that he is a Caucasian kid who lives with his adoptive Chinese immigrant parents. An injury during a football game and a subsequent stay in hospital are the turning points of Alex’s life as he knew it. Soon he finds himself on the run accompanied by Samantha.
The story combines familiar tropes from various popular sci-fi TV programmes and also reminded me of the Terminator movies. It is a fast-paced, light listen. The authors gradually reveal significant details to keep the listener interested in the mystery aspects of the story. Narration shifts from chapter to chapter with numerous points of view. The chapters are very short, sometimes ending on a mini cliff-hanger. I’m not a big science fan and admit that I started to switch off during the tech stuff about wormholes, space time continuum etc. Although there isn’t a ‘proper’ cliff-hanger ending, it leaves plenty of opportunity for a sequel.
Luke Daniels is a household name among audiobook enthusiasts, so many listeners will be familiar with his narration. I enjoyed his wide variety of different voices that made each character easily distinguishable. His pronunciation is very clear but I found the speed of the narration too slow, but I realize that’s purely a personal preference and can easily be changed. There were no issues with the production quality.
Overall, this was mostly a fun, action-packed listen with middle-of-the-road characters and an average plot but nothing that really stood out for me or that I found particularly original. I think this will probably appeal more to a young audience looking for an exciting, easy-to-follow story with typical teenage characters. Content and language make this perfectly suitable for younger teenagers.
Story 3.5 stars
Narration 4 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
The Rising is a collaboration between prolific writers Heather Graham and Jon Land. It is a science-fiction type suspense novel with a little, clean romance thrown in. It seems geared towards young adults.
While I often enjoy young adult novels with well-developed characters, I was a little disappointed with the simplistic young adult vibe in this. The two high school protagonists are likeable characters but rather stereo-typed: Alex Chin, the star quarterback with the cheerleader girlfriend, and Samantha Dixon, the brainy overachiever who interns at NASA and who tutors Alex and has been harboring a secret crush on him. The one thing that makes Alex stand out a bit is the fact that he is a Caucasian kid who lives with his adoptive Chinese immigrant parents. An injury during a football game and a subsequent stay in hospital are the turning points of Alex’s life as he knew it. Soon he finds himself on the run accompanied by Samantha.
The story combines familiar tropes from various popular sci-fi TV programmes and also reminded me of the Terminator movies. It is a fast-paced, light listen. The authors gradually reveal significant details to keep the listener interested in the mystery aspects of the story. Narration shifts from chapter to chapter with numerous points of view. The chapters are very short, sometimes ending on a mini cliff-hanger. I’m not a big science fan and admit that I started to switch off during the tech stuff about wormholes, space time continuum etc. Although there isn’t a ‘proper’ cliff-hanger ending, it leaves plenty of opportunity for a sequel.
Luke Daniels is a household name among audiobook enthusiasts, so many listeners will be familiar with his narration. I enjoyed his wide variety of different voices that made each character easily distinguishable. His pronunciation is very clear but I found the speed of the narration too slow, but I realize that’s purely a personal preference and can easily be changed. There were no issues with the production quality.
Overall, this was mostly a fun, action-packed listen with middle-of-the-road characters and an average plot but nothing that really stood out for me or that I found particularly original. I think this will probably appeal more to a young audience looking for an exciting, easy-to-follow story with typical teenage characters. Content and language make this perfectly suitable for younger teenagers.
Story 3.5 stars
Narration 4 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
February 7, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect from The Rising when I started it. I loved the synopsis but I'd seen some mixed reviews.
My favorite thing about The Rising is the concept. It was a really fun sci-fi thriller and I liked the two main characters, even though they were made up of stereotypes. I was disappointed in the creation of Alex though. Everything was set up for him to be a diverse character, last name Chin and it was mentioned that his parents are from China, but he's actually white. He's adopted and even though I think it's cool to have a main character that's adopted (I don't see that very often in YA) but there was a perfect opportunity to have a diverse main character. I'm sure the authors had the best intentions but it was very disappointing.
I thought the writing was interesting. It was melodramatic at times and it felt like it was written by someone who hadn't written Young Adult before and was trying too hard. I think this book would have been a lot better if it wasn't YA. Not because I don't like YA, quite the opposite, but The Rising just didn't feel like most YA books I've read. It felt like it was written by adults who've never read YA or at least, don't read it often. I don't know if that makes sense but it just felt... off.
Once I made an effort to not read The Rising as critically, I enjoyed it a lot more.
Overall, if you're not a critical reader and you're looking for a fun sci-fi, you might want to pick up The Rising. But if you're well well versed in YA and tend to read critically, I'd say skip this book.
My favorite thing about The Rising is the concept. It was a really fun sci-fi thriller and I liked the two main characters, even though they were made up of stereotypes. I was disappointed in the creation of Alex though. Everything was set up for him to be a diverse character, last name Chin and it was mentioned that his parents are from China, but he's actually white. He's adopted and even though I think it's cool to have a main character that's adopted (I don't see that very often in YA) but there was a perfect opportunity to have a diverse main character. I'm sure the authors had the best intentions but it was very disappointing.
I thought the writing was interesting. It was melodramatic at times and it felt like it was written by someone who hadn't written Young Adult before and was trying too hard. I think this book would have been a lot better if it wasn't YA. Not because I don't like YA, quite the opposite, but The Rising just didn't feel like most YA books I've read. It felt like it was written by adults who've never read YA or at least, don't read it often. I don't know if that makes sense but it just felt... off.
Once I made an effort to not read The Rising as critically, I enjoyed it a lot more.
Overall, if you're not a critical reader and you're looking for a fun sci-fi, you might want to pick up The Rising. But if you're well well versed in YA and tend to read critically, I'd say skip this book.
January 31, 2017
The Rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land
A science fiction adventure.
He's human, but he is not from our world. An alien then. But a savior of our world.
Non stop action. Heavy science but you don't have to follow or understand it to enjoy the ride.
A thrill a minute.
I received a copy of this book at BEA.
A science fiction adventure.
He's human, but he is not from our world. An alien then. But a savior of our world.
Non stop action. Heavy science but you don't have to follow or understand it to enjoy the ride.
A thrill a minute.
I received a copy of this book at BEA.
February 7, 2017
I’m torn between giving this a 3.5 or a 4 star rating.
The Rising is a YA novel that mainly follows two high schoolers: Alex, a blond-haired, blue-eyed football star heartthrob, who was adopted by Chinese couple, An & Li Chin. And Samantha, an intern at NASA who hopes to one day be an astronaut, and also happens to be Alex’s tutor; as they fight their way against an impending alien invasion.
The Rising was very fast paced and action packed, it definitely keeps you interested from the very beginning. I really liked that the book was written in short chapters, which made it more fun and easier to read. I also loved that the story takes place in the Bay Area (where I am originally from), I was able to vividly imagine the landscapes and surroundings while reading. I didn’t really care for the romance between Alex and Sam, It felt too awkward and forced to me. I think the story would’ve been better off without the romance or if they let it happen at a more slower natural pace.
Now, the reason why I’m hesitant to give The Rising a full 4 stars is because of the ending. As much as I enjoyed the overall plot, after everything Alex and Sam went through to help the world from an alien invasion and annihilation, I felt like the ending was just too rushed and it sort of fell flat for me. Nonetheless, I’m still looking forward to finding out what’s going to happen next in the sequel.
If you’re a fan of The X-Files, Independence Day, The Terminator, or Interstellar, I think this book would be right up your alley.
** I was provided a copy of The Rising from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. **
The Rising is a YA novel that mainly follows two high schoolers: Alex, a blond-haired, blue-eyed football star heartthrob, who was adopted by Chinese couple, An & Li Chin. And Samantha, an intern at NASA who hopes to one day be an astronaut, and also happens to be Alex’s tutor; as they fight their way against an impending alien invasion.
The Rising was very fast paced and action packed, it definitely keeps you interested from the very beginning. I really liked that the book was written in short chapters, which made it more fun and easier to read. I also loved that the story takes place in the Bay Area (where I am originally from), I was able to vividly imagine the landscapes and surroundings while reading. I didn’t really care for the romance between Alex and Sam, It felt too awkward and forced to me. I think the story would’ve been better off without the romance or if they let it happen at a more slower natural pace.
Now, the reason why I’m hesitant to give The Rising a full 4 stars is because of the ending. As much as I enjoyed the overall plot, after everything Alex and Sam went through to help the world from an alien invasion and annihilation, I felt like the ending was just too rushed and it sort of fell flat for me. Nonetheless, I’m still looking forward to finding out what’s going to happen next in the sequel.
If you’re a fan of The X-Files, Independence Day, The Terminator, or Interstellar, I think this book would be right up your alley.
** I was provided a copy of The Rising from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. **
March 7, 2017
I'm finished-thank god. Terrible. Had to skim last third, due to the inability to read with any enjoyment.
February 7, 2017
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2017/02/03/...
Heather Graham is such a prominent and prolific writer that these days it’s nearly impossible to walk into a bookstore or even the books section of your local grocery or department store without seeing her name on something. That said, even though Graham has been on my radar for a while, I must confess I’d been woefully unfamiliar with her work. Up until recently, I honestly thought she only wrote exclusively romances and contemporary mysteries, when in fact her novels actually run the full gamut of genres.
So I was a little surprised when I got a pitch about The Rising, co-authored by her and Jon Land. As you can imagine, the tagline “Stranger Things meets X-Files and Independence Day” piqued my interest right away, for up until that moment I’d only been vaguely aware of this book, with absolutely no clue what it was about, let alone that it had any sci-fi or paranormal elements. Now that I’ve read it though, I want to add one more comparison to the list. Back in 2002 there was a miniseries on the Sci-Fi Channel called Taken, and without spoiling the plot too much, I have to say reading The Rising also brought me back to many of the show’s moments, on top of those that have already been mentioned.
The story begins on the night of a huge high school football game. Star quarterback Alex is expected to take the team to championships, and everyone has shown up to cheer them on including his quiet and somewhat nerdy classmate and tutor, Samantha Dixon. For years, Sam has harbored a secret crush on Alex, even though they’ve always traveled in different circles. Currently she is interning at NASA, hoping that it will lead to a career with them after she graduates, while Alex is already on his way to becoming a famous football player, having been offered numerous scholarships.
But then disaster strikes on the field, and Alex is rushed to the hospital. Overnight, he finds his world changed and his future uncertain…but not for the reasons you would expect. Physically, the football accident he suffered actually left him relatively unscathed, but results of his various medical tests have raised concerns with his doctor, who finds something peculiar in Alex’s brain scan. Before it can be investigated though, the doctor is murdered, followed by Alex’s parents. Someone seems to be targeting Alex and those close to him, and he has no idea why. Now his only hope of survival rests with his friend Sam, whose work contacts may be able to shed light on the nightmare his life has become.
The Rising is mostly a thriller mystery novel—and in fact, Alex’s whole life becomes a riddle to be solved, once he realizes everything he has ever known is now in question—but there is also a good mix of other genres, including the big ones of romance and science fiction. I would even go as far as to say there could be some Young Adult appeal to this, even if the storytelling feels more mature despite the teenage protagonists. And yet despite all these moving parts, the novel remains a well-balanced and fast-paced read, the authors constantly driving the story forward never once allowing it to flag. They manage this by packing the plot full of action and violence, and even during the quieter moments they are laying down important clues or following them up.
However, I will say the writing took some time getting used to. It’s unclear how much of it has to do with this being a co-authored book, since I have not read either Graham or Land before picking up The Rising, so I don’t know enough to say whether or not their writing styles are compatible. The prose felt choppy to me sometimes, and scenes and POV changes didn’t always transition very well, plus the ending also came and went too abruptly. The short chapters probably didn’t help the unevenness of the writing either, but fortunately, the going does get easier once you fall into the rhythm of things.
All told, I enjoyed The Rising. The authors might not have set out to be groundbreaking with their book, but overall I found it to be a fun read and satisfying for what it was. I went into the novel expecting it to be a high-octane genre bender, and got exactly what I wanted—a romantic suspense sci-fi thriller that never ceased to entertain.
Heather Graham is such a prominent and prolific writer that these days it’s nearly impossible to walk into a bookstore or even the books section of your local grocery or department store without seeing her name on something. That said, even though Graham has been on my radar for a while, I must confess I’d been woefully unfamiliar with her work. Up until recently, I honestly thought she only wrote exclusively romances and contemporary mysteries, when in fact her novels actually run the full gamut of genres.
So I was a little surprised when I got a pitch about The Rising, co-authored by her and Jon Land. As you can imagine, the tagline “Stranger Things meets X-Files and Independence Day” piqued my interest right away, for up until that moment I’d only been vaguely aware of this book, with absolutely no clue what it was about, let alone that it had any sci-fi or paranormal elements. Now that I’ve read it though, I want to add one more comparison to the list. Back in 2002 there was a miniseries on the Sci-Fi Channel called Taken, and without spoiling the plot too much, I have to say reading The Rising also brought me back to many of the show’s moments, on top of those that have already been mentioned.
The story begins on the night of a huge high school football game. Star quarterback Alex is expected to take the team to championships, and everyone has shown up to cheer them on including his quiet and somewhat nerdy classmate and tutor, Samantha Dixon. For years, Sam has harbored a secret crush on Alex, even though they’ve always traveled in different circles. Currently she is interning at NASA, hoping that it will lead to a career with them after she graduates, while Alex is already on his way to becoming a famous football player, having been offered numerous scholarships.
But then disaster strikes on the field, and Alex is rushed to the hospital. Overnight, he finds his world changed and his future uncertain…but not for the reasons you would expect. Physically, the football accident he suffered actually left him relatively unscathed, but results of his various medical tests have raised concerns with his doctor, who finds something peculiar in Alex’s brain scan. Before it can be investigated though, the doctor is murdered, followed by Alex’s parents. Someone seems to be targeting Alex and those close to him, and he has no idea why. Now his only hope of survival rests with his friend Sam, whose work contacts may be able to shed light on the nightmare his life has become.
The Rising is mostly a thriller mystery novel—and in fact, Alex’s whole life becomes a riddle to be solved, once he realizes everything he has ever known is now in question—but there is also a good mix of other genres, including the big ones of romance and science fiction. I would even go as far as to say there could be some Young Adult appeal to this, even if the storytelling feels more mature despite the teenage protagonists. And yet despite all these moving parts, the novel remains a well-balanced and fast-paced read, the authors constantly driving the story forward never once allowing it to flag. They manage this by packing the plot full of action and violence, and even during the quieter moments they are laying down important clues or following them up.
However, I will say the writing took some time getting used to. It’s unclear how much of it has to do with this being a co-authored book, since I have not read either Graham or Land before picking up The Rising, so I don’t know enough to say whether or not their writing styles are compatible. The prose felt choppy to me sometimes, and scenes and POV changes didn’t always transition very well, plus the ending also came and went too abruptly. The short chapters probably didn’t help the unevenness of the writing either, but fortunately, the going does get easier once you fall into the rhythm of things.
All told, I enjoyed The Rising. The authors might not have set out to be groundbreaking with their book, but overall I found it to be a fun read and satisfying for what it was. I went into the novel expecting it to be a high-octane genre bender, and got exactly what I wanted—a romantic suspense sci-fi thriller that never ceased to entertain.
April 18, 2017
Buckle your seat belt because this is going to be a very bumpy ride.
Two of my must read authors, Heather Graham and Jon Land, have come together to create to create a fabulous science fiction thriller in The Rising.
Alex is special and he doesn’t know it. He suffers a football injury, winding up in the hospital, and the action and adventure begin.
As Alex, Sam, Raiff and Donati are drawn together, forces are determined to stop them.
The Trackers want him. The Watchers and Guardians protect him.
And don’t we always have someone that wants to rule the world and will do anything to accomplish it? Villains are fascinating, to me. The worse they are, the more I love them.
Scientists beware. Your actions can change the world!
Particle accelerators, quantam space, wormholes, doorways into space, space time continuum…
This Terminator like suspense story has everything you would want in a science fiction fantasy…action, mystery, thrills and a story line that will spur your imagination and give you hours of reading pleasure.
There is more to come and I think H G Wells has nothing on Heather Graham and Jon Land. I can hardly wait to go on the next adventure. …Take me away.
To see more visit fundinmental
Two of my must read authors, Heather Graham and Jon Land, have come together to create to create a fabulous science fiction thriller in The Rising.
Alex is special and he doesn’t know it. He suffers a football injury, winding up in the hospital, and the action and adventure begin.
As Alex, Sam, Raiff and Donati are drawn together, forces are determined to stop them.
The Trackers want him. The Watchers and Guardians protect him.
And don’t we always have someone that wants to rule the world and will do anything to accomplish it? Villains are fascinating, to me. The worse they are, the more I love them.
Scientists beware. Your actions can change the world!
Particle accelerators, quantam space, wormholes, doorways into space, space time continuum…
This Terminator like suspense story has everything you would want in a science fiction fantasy…action, mystery, thrills and a story line that will spur your imagination and give you hours of reading pleasure.
There is more to come and I think H G Wells has nothing on Heather Graham and Jon Land. I can hardly wait to go on the next adventure. …Take me away.
To see more visit fundinmental
July 5, 2017
High school football player Alex Chin sets his sights on winning for the playoffs. His tutor Samantha is at the top of her class but she would like to date Alex. A tackle on the football field lands him in the hospital and his CT scan reveals an abnormality. All of a sudden, his doctor is killed. Samantha walks in after Alex's parents lay dying on the floor. His mother tells Sam to get Alex and run. Alex knows he is adopted but the story must come out as to how this came to be and who he really is. He has no idea he's been watched by The Guardian who is protecting him from The Trackers.
I checked this book out of the library because I like to read books by Heather Graham. I didn't realize it was a story about aliens. I don't usually read science fiction although I like to watch this type of movies. The story began over 18 years ago and it's well written. If you like the TV show X-files or Terminator movies, you will probably like this book.
I checked this book out of the library because I like to read books by Heather Graham. I didn't realize it was a story about aliens. I don't usually read science fiction although I like to watch this type of movies. The story began over 18 years ago and it's well written. If you like the TV show X-files or Terminator movies, you will probably like this book.
October 19, 2019
This story kept me engaged. It was fast paced and really interesting. I hope there's another book.
October 16, 2017
The premise is somewhat interesting, but the execution of this book was mediocre, and barely that. Clunky writing. Cheesy characters.
The story gets very, very repetitive with some of the content. Like how many times characters say or insist, to Alex, that he "knows something" and then he insists he doesn't, then they tell him, "oh, you justy don't know you know it." That literally happens 30-35 times. A few times would be foreshadowing or building suspense, but it becomes ridiculous and clumsy.
The ending was not satisfying.
I was very surprised by how mediocre this was. Heather Graham is a heavy hitter. But, this time she mostly struck out.
2.5 Stars, maybe less
The story gets very, very repetitive with some of the content. Like how many times characters say or insist, to Alex, that he "knows something" and then he insists he doesn't, then they tell him, "oh, you justy don't know you know it." That literally happens 30-35 times. A few times would be foreshadowing or building suspense, but it becomes ridiculous and clumsy.
The ending was not satisfying.
I was very surprised by how mediocre this was. Heather Graham is a heavy hitter. But, this time she mostly struck out.
2.5 Stars, maybe less
June 9, 2017
Four Stars: An intense and exciting YA sci fi thriller full of suspense and surprises.
For Alex and Samantha, it is a typical Friday night in their home town. Alex is in his starring role as the local football hero. Meanwhile, Sam is feeling out of place at the football game, because usually she is studying or researching for her internship. Tonight, Sam is nursing her secret crush on Alex while she wrestles with whether she will help the mean girl clique, the Cat Pack, cheat on their biology test. Everything changes when Alex is severely injured on the field. Everyone fears that Alex may be permanently injured. At the hospital, things get weird for Alex. His test results are strange, and then his doctor is mysteriously murdered. Alex flees, but finds that danger has arrived at his doorstep. It seems his parents were hiding an enormous secret. One with interstellar repercussions. Once Alex learns the terrifying truth, he knows there is no going back. Can Alex save the world?
What I Liked:
*What a roller coaster! The Rising starts out like your average YA novel with two high school kids dealing with typical teenage problems. Then things take a sudden shift, and there are some stunning twists and turns. This is a terrific sci fi thriller that one can compare to Terminator and Independence Day. If you want a suspenseful, YA, sci fi thriller, this is an excellent pick.
*Alex and Sam are strong and interesting main characters. Alex, at first, comes off as the charming, jock who isn't academically inclined, but once danger comes calling, he digs deep and becomes courageous and resourceful. Sam is the nerdy, brainy type, but she, too, is so much more. She is smart, kind and loyal. Together they make the perfect team.
*The story takes some time to get going, and the beginning felt juvenile in comparison to the rest of the book. Once you get past those few high school chapters, things get fast and crazy. There are so many exciting developments from aliens, worm holes, alien invasion, cyborgs and cover up. I loved that the story kept surprising me. Prepare for action, danger and lots of surprises when you take on this one.
*There are a number of secondary characters, and it takes some time to determine whom you can trust. I enjoyed Rafe and the crazy NASA researcher.
*The ending was a mixed bag. At first, it seemed like all was well after the dust settled, but then things aren't as they seem and the reader learns this is just the beginning. I didn't know going in this was going to be a series, so I am excited to read more.
*I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the brilliant Luke Daniels. Mr. Daniels is one of my all time favorite narrators. He does a top notch job with the characters, and his unique voices for each character are superb. I know that I enjoyed the story much more listening to it thanks to Mr. Daniels. I highly recommend you check out the audio version.
And The Not So Much:
*As I mentioned, the early chapters had a strong teenage, typical high school vibe and I fear that many readers will be turned off. Be patient because after the initial chapters, the story takes off.
*The villains felt a bit one dimensional and cartoonish to me. I wasn't a fan of them, and I wished there was more development.
*There is a bit of romance, but felt that this portion too lacked depth. I wish there was more development. Yes, Sam has harbored a secret crush, but Alex's side was weak.
*The chapters are short and there are over a hundred chapters in the book. There are numerous view points and narration shifts. Sometimes it was too much and it made the book choppy.
The ending had a cliffhanger. I thought it was all settled and then a cliffhanger is slapped on you.
The Rising is an exciting and entertaining YA sci fi thriller. This is a fast paced book with danger, action, aliens, devious villains, cyborgs and a planned alien invasion. Prepare for excitement and lots of twists and turns. If you are wanting a solid YA sci fi book, this is one to try. I highly recommend the audiobook version narrated by the brilliant Luke Daniels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
For Alex and Samantha, it is a typical Friday night in their home town. Alex is in his starring role as the local football hero. Meanwhile, Sam is feeling out of place at the football game, because usually she is studying or researching for her internship. Tonight, Sam is nursing her secret crush on Alex while she wrestles with whether she will help the mean girl clique, the Cat Pack, cheat on their biology test. Everything changes when Alex is severely injured on the field. Everyone fears that Alex may be permanently injured. At the hospital, things get weird for Alex. His test results are strange, and then his doctor is mysteriously murdered. Alex flees, but finds that danger has arrived at his doorstep. It seems his parents were hiding an enormous secret. One with interstellar repercussions. Once Alex learns the terrifying truth, he knows there is no going back. Can Alex save the world?
What I Liked:
*What a roller coaster! The Rising starts out like your average YA novel with two high school kids dealing with typical teenage problems. Then things take a sudden shift, and there are some stunning twists and turns. This is a terrific sci fi thriller that one can compare to Terminator and Independence Day. If you want a suspenseful, YA, sci fi thriller, this is an excellent pick.
*Alex and Sam are strong and interesting main characters. Alex, at first, comes off as the charming, jock who isn't academically inclined, but once danger comes calling, he digs deep and becomes courageous and resourceful. Sam is the nerdy, brainy type, but she, too, is so much more. She is smart, kind and loyal. Together they make the perfect team.
*The story takes some time to get going, and the beginning felt juvenile in comparison to the rest of the book. Once you get past those few high school chapters, things get fast and crazy. There are so many exciting developments from aliens, worm holes, alien invasion, cyborgs and cover up. I loved that the story kept surprising me. Prepare for action, danger and lots of surprises when you take on this one.
*There are a number of secondary characters, and it takes some time to determine whom you can trust. I enjoyed Rafe and the crazy NASA researcher.
*The ending was a mixed bag. At first, it seemed like all was well after the dust settled, but then things aren't as they seem and the reader learns this is just the beginning. I didn't know going in this was going to be a series, so I am excited to read more.
*I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the brilliant Luke Daniels. Mr. Daniels is one of my all time favorite narrators. He does a top notch job with the characters, and his unique voices for each character are superb. I know that I enjoyed the story much more listening to it thanks to Mr. Daniels. I highly recommend you check out the audio version.
And The Not So Much:
*As I mentioned, the early chapters had a strong teenage, typical high school vibe and I fear that many readers will be turned off. Be patient because after the initial chapters, the story takes off.
*The villains felt a bit one dimensional and cartoonish to me. I wasn't a fan of them, and I wished there was more development.
*There is a bit of romance, but felt that this portion too lacked depth. I wish there was more development. Yes, Sam has harbored a secret crush, but Alex's side was weak.
*The chapters are short and there are over a hundred chapters in the book. There are numerous view points and narration shifts. Sometimes it was too much and it made the book choppy.
The ending had a cliffhanger. I thought it was all settled and then a cliffhanger is slapped on you.
The Rising is an exciting and entertaining YA sci fi thriller. This is a fast paced book with danger, action, aliens, devious villains, cyborgs and a planned alien invasion. Prepare for excitement and lots of twists and turns. If you are wanting a solid YA sci fi book, this is one to try. I highly recommend the audiobook version narrated by the brilliant Luke Daniels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 5, 2017
Though I have never read anything from Jon Land, I am a huge Heather Graham fan, so I was so excited to get to review this audio!! Not a huge sci-fi fan but it was light enough that It didn't get to bogged down in tech stuff.
Alex thought he was just an ordinary teenager football player until he had an accident on the field that changed his whole life. Sam, was his tutor and had a major crush on him, and she got thrown into the chaos after finding Alex's parents dead and some strange people after them.
These two are trying to survive and figure out what they want with Alex. Along the way they meet Raiff, who is Alex's guardian and only ally. Alex has something that the Ash man wants but he hasn't a clue what it is. Then of course you have the other bad guy who is a human hell bent on killing everyone like Alex and is after Alex and has his band of Military types at his disposal.
It's not something I am used to coming from Heather Graham, but at the same time, I enjoyed it. The ending came a little abruptly and the way it ended I am thinking there is going to be a sequel though I haven't seen anything mentioning i
Alex thought he was just an ordinary teenager football player until he had an accident on the field that changed his whole life. Sam, was his tutor and had a major crush on him, and she got thrown into the chaos after finding Alex's parents dead and some strange people after them.
These two are trying to survive and figure out what they want with Alex. Along the way they meet Raiff, who is Alex's guardian and only ally. Alex has something that the Ash man wants but he hasn't a clue what it is. Then of course you have the other bad guy who is a human hell bent on killing everyone like Alex and is after Alex and has his band of Military types at his disposal.
It's not something I am used to coming from Heather Graham, but at the same time, I enjoyed it. The ending came a little abruptly and the way it ended I am thinking there is going to be a sequel though I haven't seen anything mentioning i
July 17, 2016
Think Heroes meets Area 51 and you'll be on your way to The Rising.
Young Alex, a high school football star, is injured at a game.
The hospital finds a strange shadow in his brain... and then the weird stuff happens.
I would have given this 4 stars except the ending set me up for a sequel.
I wish it had closed the story.
Young Alex, a high school football star, is injured at a game.
The hospital finds a strange shadow in his brain... and then the weird stuff happens.
I would have given this 4 stars except the ending set me up for a sequel.
I wish it had closed the story.
January 16, 2017
When I first heard of this collaboration between authors Heather Graham and Jon Land I was filled with anticipation. Graham is the author of more than one hundred novels and Land has been putting out solid thrillers for decades highlighted by the terrific series featuring Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong.
Authors who write in different genres could find it difficult to blend their talents and ideas into a cohesive story. I am pleased to say this is not the case with THE RISING. In what I hope will be the first in a new series, THE RISING features a teen-aged high school football star who has nothing but sunny days ahead of him --- or so he thinks.
Instantly, THE RISING called to mind some of the earlier work of Dean Koontz that mixed together young people, clandestine government agencies, fiendish killers and a dark secret tying everything together. In the Graham/Land story our hero is Alex Chin, the blonde-haired adopted son of Asian-American parents who lives outside of San Francisco, California. Everything seems to be going great for Alex and his most vexing task is to decide which college scholarship he should accept.
Alex's world is going to get really complex very quickly. The secret to this tale is peeled back layer by layer and glimmers of the story's scope can be found in flashbacks that go back eighteen years. NASA's Thomas Donati uncovers a series of apparently random events that, when combined, could threaten the space time continuum. Trust me, this is a much more serious issue than what Marty McFly and Doc Brown faced in "Back To the Future".
The present day tale rolls out as part of a diary --- the author of which is not revealed until much later in the story. The one point the diarist stresses is that what will unfold is not a story. It appears that playing free safety (my former position) for his High School football team is far from the most dangerous thing Alex will face. In one particular game he suffers a brutal injury and seems to all but walk away from it. Hmm... Later on, his adopted parents are victims of a home invasion where the invaders claim they are seeking something that was taken from them eighteen years earlier and demand to know where Alex is.
Things transpire very quickly in this novel and we soon find Alex and his new best friend, a highly intelligent nerdist girl named Sam, on the run from the people who want Alex and appear to have wiped out his family. Alex's adopted mother took the time to leave a dying message for him in blood that read: GET ALEX RUN. Alex and Sam take off and go after answers as to why Alex is in wanted by some very dangerous people all the while attempting to stay out of their grasps.
One astonishing thing they uncover is the bizarre premise that Alex may not be human. Some of the answers are found when our dynamic duo meet up with a man named Raiff who may have something in common with Alex. At the risk of spoiling any of the myriad of revelations found in this story let me just say that readers are going to learn more about wormholes, folding space and time travel then they knew about these subjects prior to starting THE RISING.
THE RISING is an astonishing literary event with the type of break-neck, adrenalin-fueled plot that calls to mind great Sci-Fi/Thriller cross-overs that are all too rare these days. In Alex Chin we have one of the more complex protagonists in recent memory and readers will find themselves rooting for him while trying to catch their breath as he goes through one dangerous situation after another. With a tip of the hat to classic television series like The Outer Limits, THE RISING begs for a sequel. The novel opens with a quote from the philosopher Seneca that reads: "Sometimes even to live is an act of courage". Alex Chin goes through many changes during the course of this story and that quote accurately sums up his existence and purpose.
Authors who write in different genres could find it difficult to blend their talents and ideas into a cohesive story. I am pleased to say this is not the case with THE RISING. In what I hope will be the first in a new series, THE RISING features a teen-aged high school football star who has nothing but sunny days ahead of him --- or so he thinks.
Instantly, THE RISING called to mind some of the earlier work of Dean Koontz that mixed together young people, clandestine government agencies, fiendish killers and a dark secret tying everything together. In the Graham/Land story our hero is Alex Chin, the blonde-haired adopted son of Asian-American parents who lives outside of San Francisco, California. Everything seems to be going great for Alex and his most vexing task is to decide which college scholarship he should accept.
Alex's world is going to get really complex very quickly. The secret to this tale is peeled back layer by layer and glimmers of the story's scope can be found in flashbacks that go back eighteen years. NASA's Thomas Donati uncovers a series of apparently random events that, when combined, could threaten the space time continuum. Trust me, this is a much more serious issue than what Marty McFly and Doc Brown faced in "Back To the Future".
The present day tale rolls out as part of a diary --- the author of which is not revealed until much later in the story. The one point the diarist stresses is that what will unfold is not a story. It appears that playing free safety (my former position) for his High School football team is far from the most dangerous thing Alex will face. In one particular game he suffers a brutal injury and seems to all but walk away from it. Hmm... Later on, his adopted parents are victims of a home invasion where the invaders claim they are seeking something that was taken from them eighteen years earlier and demand to know where Alex is.
Things transpire very quickly in this novel and we soon find Alex and his new best friend, a highly intelligent nerdist girl named Sam, on the run from the people who want Alex and appear to have wiped out his family. Alex's adopted mother took the time to leave a dying message for him in blood that read: GET ALEX RUN. Alex and Sam take off and go after answers as to why Alex is in wanted by some very dangerous people all the while attempting to stay out of their grasps.
One astonishing thing they uncover is the bizarre premise that Alex may not be human. Some of the answers are found when our dynamic duo meet up with a man named Raiff who may have something in common with Alex. At the risk of spoiling any of the myriad of revelations found in this story let me just say that readers are going to learn more about wormholes, folding space and time travel then they knew about these subjects prior to starting THE RISING.
THE RISING is an astonishing literary event with the type of break-neck, adrenalin-fueled plot that calls to mind great Sci-Fi/Thriller cross-overs that are all too rare these days. In Alex Chin we have one of the more complex protagonists in recent memory and readers will find themselves rooting for him while trying to catch their breath as he goes through one dangerous situation after another. With a tip of the hat to classic television series like The Outer Limits, THE RISING begs for a sequel. The novel opens with a quote from the philosopher Seneca that reads: "Sometimes even to live is an act of courage". Alex Chin goes through many changes during the course of this story and that quote accurately sums up his existence and purpose.
![Profile Image for lexactuallyreads [surviving off vibes ftm].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1718587936i%2F139940672._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 5, 2023
Two teenagers are the only ones who stand a chance at stopping the invasion…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩🚀🕳️ The Rising by Heather Graham & Jon Land 🕳️👩🚀
“I never wanted to become a hero and don’t consider myself one now.”
Twenty Four Hours. That’s all it takes for the lives of two young people to change forever. Alex Chin is at the top: a football hero and homecoming king, plenty of scholarships lined up and a bright future ahead of him. Samantha Dixon: preparing to graduate at the top of her class and turn her NASA internship into a career. When a football accident lands Alex in the hospital, his world is turned upside down. His parents and his doctor are murdered. Whatever is coming is now after him. Alex flees, telling Samantha not to follow, and doesn’t realize she’s been involved since she witnessed Alex’s parents dying. She loves him, and she will not abandon him. As they race to stay ahead of the attackers, they also have to figure out why he’s a target in the first place. The answer is a secret buried in the past, one his parents died protecting. He always knew he adopted, but he never knew who and where he truly came from… Until now.
“Sometimes fate must be accepted and not questioned.”
“You must come with me… You’ve evaded for this long, but now you’re ours again.”
Wow, this sci-fi thriller is wicked! You’ve got aliens, NASA, government cover-ups, a looming invasion and just enough dystopian vibes to make it feel real familiar right now. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a die hard Heather Graham stan - and this did not disappoint and was so different from what her usual stuff (we’re both partial to helpful ghosts and human bad guys) and I LOVED it. My mind kept straying to Terminator, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and other various alien-related works. The premise is good, the story is great. It’s the perfected YA science fiction thriller. The pace is quick and to the point, it’s packed with science and a little love story and it leaves off with a giant cliff hanger so you can jump straight into book two! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now I am saddened to have to wait for my library to fulfill my hold. *sigh* I should’ve grabbed it when I had the chance.
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👩🚀🕳️ The Rising by Heather Graham & Jon Land 🕳️👩🚀
“I never wanted to become a hero and don’t consider myself one now.”
Twenty Four Hours. That’s all it takes for the lives of two young people to change forever. Alex Chin is at the top: a football hero and homecoming king, plenty of scholarships lined up and a bright future ahead of him. Samantha Dixon: preparing to graduate at the top of her class and turn her NASA internship into a career. When a football accident lands Alex in the hospital, his world is turned upside down. His parents and his doctor are murdered. Whatever is coming is now after him. Alex flees, telling Samantha not to follow, and doesn’t realize she’s been involved since she witnessed Alex’s parents dying. She loves him, and she will not abandon him. As they race to stay ahead of the attackers, they also have to figure out why he’s a target in the first place. The answer is a secret buried in the past, one his parents died protecting. He always knew he adopted, but he never knew who and where he truly came from… Until now.
“Sometimes fate must be accepted and not questioned.”
“You must come with me… You’ve evaded for this long, but now you’re ours again.”
Wow, this sci-fi thriller is wicked! You’ve got aliens, NASA, government cover-ups, a looming invasion and just enough dystopian vibes to make it feel real familiar right now. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a die hard Heather Graham stan - and this did not disappoint and was so different from what her usual stuff (we’re both partial to helpful ghosts and human bad guys) and I LOVED it. My mind kept straying to Terminator, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and other various alien-related works. The premise is good, the story is great. It’s the perfected YA science fiction thriller. The pace is quick and to the point, it’s packed with science and a little love story and it leaves off with a giant cliff hanger so you can jump straight into book two! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and now I am saddened to have to wait for my library to fulfill my hold. *sigh* I should’ve grabbed it when I had the chance.
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance
February 15, 2017
While I would classify the book as YA since the protagonist is a teen, I really can see this being read by adults as well. It is more a sci-fi thriller than YA in it's feel.
This was a intense ride. There are a little bit of social issues at hand in this book which I found interesting since it is a turn on its head than what is generally expected, but it really is about Alex, Sam (an intelligent girl) and aliens which all fit into questions about Alex's life he never thought to ask. There is murder and a mysterious plot in which Alex and Sam must figure out and stay ahead of what or who is stalking them. Not sure who to trust, often they fall into the right hands and while this is terribly convenient, it also doesn't feel too implausible.
I'd say that this is an easy sci-fi book if you are looking to get into the genre but not willing to go whole hog science. If you are on the other side of the spectrum of wanting a lot of science in your sci-fi, there is science in the book and it is well placed and it makes sense. Nothing too over the top but just enough to keep the plot holes at a minimum. It really is the thrill and the mystery that takes precedence in the book.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I think those looking for an easy but thrilling sci-fi book would enjoy this one. Also, while the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, it also isn't as well. It can lead to other adventures or really stand on its own while you imagine what could happen next.
This was a intense ride. There are a little bit of social issues at hand in this book which I found interesting since it is a turn on its head than what is generally expected, but it really is about Alex, Sam (an intelligent girl) and aliens which all fit into questions about Alex's life he never thought to ask. There is murder and a mysterious plot in which Alex and Sam must figure out and stay ahead of what or who is stalking them. Not sure who to trust, often they fall into the right hands and while this is terribly convenient, it also doesn't feel too implausible.
I'd say that this is an easy sci-fi book if you are looking to get into the genre but not willing to go whole hog science. If you are on the other side of the spectrum of wanting a lot of science in your sci-fi, there is science in the book and it is well placed and it makes sense. Nothing too over the top but just enough to keep the plot holes at a minimum. It really is the thrill and the mystery that takes precedence in the book.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I think those looking for an easy but thrilling sci-fi book would enjoy this one. Also, while the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger, it also isn't as well. It can lead to other adventures or really stand on its own while you imagine what could happen next.
March 6, 2017
I didn't know a lot about The Rising going into it. I have read a ton of books by Heather Graham and I had no idea she was collaborating with another author. The Rising is a Sci-fi ,YA-ish novel about an all american football high school boy whose life turns upside down when he is injured in a game. He has always known he was adopted. He just never knew the real story of how his Asian parents came to adopt a blond hair, blue eyed baby. What he learns is beyond his imagination.
I thought this book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the developing friendship between Alex and Samantha (Sam). I really liked Alex. He is your average football star who is thrust into a strange situation. But he never lost that teenage innocence as he is thrust into having to choose whether or not he wanted to become a hero. I also loved that he wasn't the smartest kid in the story. In fact, he is pretty average. It was kind of refreshing.
The science of the book was a little confusing at times. I'm not sure I'll ever understand the theory of wormholes. But, my confusion didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. There are some familiar sci-fi tropes, but they really worked in this book. There is some mature violence, so I would probably keep this to older YA readers. The ending left a lot of unanswered question so I can't wait for the next book for the answers.
I thought this book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the developing friendship between Alex and Samantha (Sam). I really liked Alex. He is your average football star who is thrust into a strange situation. But he never lost that teenage innocence as he is thrust into having to choose whether or not he wanted to become a hero. I also loved that he wasn't the smartest kid in the story. In fact, he is pretty average. It was kind of refreshing.
The science of the book was a little confusing at times. I'm not sure I'll ever understand the theory of wormholes. But, my confusion didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. There are some familiar sci-fi tropes, but they really worked in this book. There is some mature violence, so I would probably keep this to older YA readers. The ending left a lot of unanswered question so I can't wait for the next book for the answers.
April 25, 2023
I want to give this 3-1/2 stars, but 3 will have to do.
I listened to this on audiobook, which I enjoyed very much. The voice actor was entertaining and did a lot to keep me interested in the story. I’m fairly sure I would not have finished this book if I was physically reading it.
The premise/idea for the story was excellent, but I didn’t think it was executed well. I appreciated the level of detail, but I felt like it was too drawn out and way too slow at parts. Some scenes and characters I felt were unnecessary because they didn’t contribute to the plot. (Reminds me of some episodes of The Last of Us that did absolutely nothing to advance the journey of Ellie and Joel).
Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll likely listen to the second book in the series if it’s the same narrator.
Also, and this is a just a small thing, but the whole thing had a very young-adult/amateurish vibe to it — and that could be just me because I don’t read a lot of YA — but it was in the regular fiction section at the library.
So overall, it was okay, but definitely not a favorite.
I listened to this on audiobook, which I enjoyed very much. The voice actor was entertaining and did a lot to keep me interested in the story. I’m fairly sure I would not have finished this book if I was physically reading it.
The premise/idea for the story was excellent, but I didn’t think it was executed well. I appreciated the level of detail, but I felt like it was too drawn out and way too slow at parts. Some scenes and characters I felt were unnecessary because they didn’t contribute to the plot. (Reminds me of some episodes of The Last of Us that did absolutely nothing to advance the journey of Ellie and Joel).
Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll likely listen to the second book in the series if it’s the same narrator.
Also, and this is a just a small thing, but the whole thing had a very young-adult/amateurish vibe to it — and that could be just me because I don’t read a lot of YA — but it was in the regular fiction section at the library.
So overall, it was okay, but definitely not a favorite.
October 9, 2022
If you were to ask me whether YA sci-fi is my jam, I would definitely have told you "no." However, when two gifted suspense writers like Heather Graham and Jon Land team up, I'm going to at least check it out.
Samantha Dixon is kind of your stereotypical nerdy smart girl -- except for the fact that she's so scientifically and mathematically gifted that she's an intern at NASA's Ames Research Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. She's working on a project tracking certain atmospheric phenomena.
She has an enormous crush on Alex Chin, the school quarterback, whom she tutors ... but she figures he can never know -- and wouldn't care.
When she goes to one of Alex's games (something she usually doesn't do), the iPad with her research data is stolen ... and when Alex is injured during the game, some pretty unusual things start happening at the hospital.
That's the set-up for what turns out to be quite a gripping and poignant story about two young people who, while figuring out who they're meant to be in the world, are also tasked with *saving* it. Alex is more than just the big man on campus, and the proverbial bad guys are after him.
I will say that this book ends on a cliffhanger; there is more to come in this serious. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and will be checking out more.
Samantha Dixon is kind of your stereotypical nerdy smart girl -- except for the fact that she's so scientifically and mathematically gifted that she's an intern at NASA's Ames Research Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. She's working on a project tracking certain atmospheric phenomena.
She has an enormous crush on Alex Chin, the school quarterback, whom she tutors ... but she figures he can never know -- and wouldn't care.
When she goes to one of Alex's games (something she usually doesn't do), the iPad with her research data is stolen ... and when Alex is injured during the game, some pretty unusual things start happening at the hospital.
That's the set-up for what turns out to be quite a gripping and poignant story about two young people who, while figuring out who they're meant to be in the world, are also tasked with *saving* it. Alex is more than just the big man on campus, and the proverbial bad guys are after him.
I will say that this book ends on a cliffhanger; there is more to come in this serious. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and will be checking out more.
June 19, 2020
I'm not much one for Sci-Fi, and this book doesn't fit the niche exactly, but it was other worldly in that Alex, the main character, is not human. He looks human, behaves human, and believes himself to be human, but that all is dispelled when he suffers a concussion playing football. The story is a combination young adult romance, Sci-fi, thriller. It was a good thing there were some boring explanations of worm holes (not only once, so I could skim when the explanation was given again) so that I could put the book down to go to sleep. Otherwise I might have read long into the night and regretted my lack of sleep the next day. The ending is ambiguous...I am not sure it was left that way so that another story could be written, or if we are left to fill in the blanks ourselves.
November 26, 2017
3.5 Stars.
February 14, 2023
This was my first Heather Graham book, but will not be my last!
Read
July 21, 2025Pure science fiction BS , based on the crap you see on TV !!!
February 4, 2018
Great book! It was a fun, quick read. An enjoyable YA novel. I really liked the quick pace of the book. Never a dull moment. Definitely wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was coming next. My only disappointment.....I can’t find any information about the next book in this new series!
August 22, 2018
There were parts of this novel I wanted to rate a 4 to. Unfortunately, there were also parts of this that warranted a 2 due to cliched mustache twirling level villain aspects that I could have done without.
March 6, 2017
The teaming of authors Jon Land and Heather Graham ends up paying immediate dividends as their young adult/science fiction/action thriller book The Rising manages to straddle the genre lines of all three of those categories and turns into a heck of a thrill ride.
The book starts out like an episode of "Friday Night Lights" where the action is set on the football field and star player Alex Chin. In the stands is his tutor, Samantha Dixon. She is doubly tied to him to do her unrequited crush on him.
While that might seem the recipe for something boring, the action soon shifts when Alex is hurt during the game and subsequent medical testing reveals that Alex is something quite altogether different than your run of the mill teenage football player.
When his doctor and parents are murdered, Alex and Samantha end up on the run and pursued by a myriad of forces that want him for their own desires, be they for the good, the bad or the REALLY bad.
Side by Side, Sam Dixon is a fully realized character whose amply demonstrated smarts are by necessity of the plot, enhanced with her decision to stay with Alex on the run while they are being pursued.
The story is bookended with entries from a diary that is written by an anonymous author so that the story could be done in one or as intended, just the start of a series.
Land and Graham's storytelling plays to their strengths and blends together pretty seamlessly. The action is fast paced and their characters feel real as opposed to being cardboard cutouts designed to simply propel the plot along.
About the only flaw in the story from my point of view was when the more technical science chatter was being used. Not being a great student of the sciences, there were points where the mumbo-jumbo tended to make my eyes gloss over.
The Rising hits all the right notes otherwise and I'm hoping to see where the authors decide to take this compelling story in the next book.
The book starts out like an episode of "Friday Night Lights" where the action is set on the football field and star player Alex Chin. In the stands is his tutor, Samantha Dixon. She is doubly tied to him to do her unrequited crush on him.
While that might seem the recipe for something boring, the action soon shifts when Alex is hurt during the game and subsequent medical testing reveals that Alex is something quite altogether different than your run of the mill teenage football player.
When his doctor and parents are murdered, Alex and Samantha end up on the run and pursued by a myriad of forces that want him for their own desires, be they for the good, the bad or the REALLY bad.
Side by Side, Sam Dixon is a fully realized character whose amply demonstrated smarts are by necessity of the plot, enhanced with her decision to stay with Alex on the run while they are being pursued.
The story is bookended with entries from a diary that is written by an anonymous author so that the story could be done in one or as intended, just the start of a series.
Land and Graham's storytelling plays to their strengths and blends together pretty seamlessly. The action is fast paced and their characters feel real as opposed to being cardboard cutouts designed to simply propel the plot along.
About the only flaw in the story from my point of view was when the more technical science chatter was being used. Not being a great student of the sciences, there were points where the mumbo-jumbo tended to make my eyes gloss over.
The Rising hits all the right notes otherwise and I'm hoping to see where the authors decide to take this compelling story in the next book.
September 17, 2018
If I were to describe this book in one word, I would say it’s overloaded. I found it very hard to keep up with everything that was happening as the book progressed. It was switching between four different characters almost every chapter and I had to hone in on every intricate detail. The book had so much to tell about Alex, Sam, and multiple other character’s stories in such a short amount of pages, and I feel like the pacing of the story could have been better organized.
Despite that, I’d give this book a thumbs in the middle. I found Heather Graham’s writing enjoyable and wonderfully crafted. Her imagery and complicated verbs were impeccable and it was really easy to picture the character's feelings, thoughts, and reactions. She really captured the essence of teenagers, and doing that realistically is a hard thing to do.
The plot, on the other hand, is hard to believe. I may be wrong, but I don’t think something like this could happen in real life. More than one of the characters was an alien from another planet that looks exactly like mankind. The chances of life beyond earth is already highly improbable, but finding life from a different planets that’s remotely close to us is off the charts. Although, it gave the book and wondrous feel. It was interesting to learn about this other life, how it got to earth, and why it is here.
Now you may be wondering, “Does the book leave me on the edge of my seat with every page?”
Well, not necessarily. There was a lot of pointless dialogue such as, “As you already know…” or “*insert lots of dialogue here*” and it was REALLY hard to not put the book down. Don’t get me wrong, the story itself was very bold, intriguing, and thought out but there was a lot of dialogue. Some chapters would just be dialogue and nothing else, which quickly became annoying.
I would recommend this book to people who like mystery, action, and a little bit of teen romance. This book’s content is mostly about the unknown, “detective work”, high speed chases, intense battles, and puppy love. I would also say you should be able to keep track of a lot of things at once, because this book is all over the place.
I would not recommend this book to people who like simple and easy to discern books. Like I said multiple times before, this book has a lot of information that even my brain was unable to handle. If you would like to read it though, you have to be attentive to detail.
Despite that, I’d give this book a thumbs in the middle. I found Heather Graham’s writing enjoyable and wonderfully crafted. Her imagery and complicated verbs were impeccable and it was really easy to picture the character's feelings, thoughts, and reactions. She really captured the essence of teenagers, and doing that realistically is a hard thing to do.
The plot, on the other hand, is hard to believe. I may be wrong, but I don’t think something like this could happen in real life. More than one of the characters was an alien from another planet that looks exactly like mankind. The chances of life beyond earth is already highly improbable, but finding life from a different planets that’s remotely close to us is off the charts. Although, it gave the book and wondrous feel. It was interesting to learn about this other life, how it got to earth, and why it is here.
Now you may be wondering, “Does the book leave me on the edge of my seat with every page?”
Well, not necessarily. There was a lot of pointless dialogue such as, “As you already know…” or “*insert lots of dialogue here*” and it was REALLY hard to not put the book down. Don’t get me wrong, the story itself was very bold, intriguing, and thought out but there was a lot of dialogue. Some chapters would just be dialogue and nothing else, which quickly became annoying.
I would recommend this book to people who like mystery, action, and a little bit of teen romance. This book’s content is mostly about the unknown, “detective work”, high speed chases, intense battles, and puppy love. I would also say you should be able to keep track of a lot of things at once, because this book is all over the place.
I would not recommend this book to people who like simple and easy to discern books. Like I said multiple times before, this book has a lot of information that even my brain was unable to handle. If you would like to read it though, you have to be attentive to detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews