A wavering loyalty. A determined love. When the light falls the dark will rise.
Remember your bloodline. That lesson has been drilled into eighteen-year-old CALEB since childhood, and as grandson to Alexander the Great, he has always respectfully heeded those words. But when that loyalty lands him in the middle of an uprising that could lead to a war that would rival the Fall, Caleb realizes that family isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Especially when the price for that blind devotion is the girl he loves.
LUNA thought she nearly lost her mind once, but four months in a hidden celestial realm has her teetering closer to insanity than ever before. Imprisoned by the Council for her role in Alexander's release, she spends her days obsessing over the revelation of her true identity and having conversations with people who might not actually be there. Trapped in a cage where time never moves and reality and hallucination have become intertwined, only one thing remains clear to Luna: she will never leave this place.
Caleb won't rest until he rescues his Goldilocks, even if that means defying his grandfather and the Council to save her. But will he reach Luna before she is lost to her madness? Or will he fail and lose her again-this time forever?
DARKRISE is the second book in the YA paranormal romance trilogy The Origin Prophecy, a loose Romeo + Juliet retelling about star-crossed teenagers in a magical, hidden world of angels, demons, and Nephilim.
M. A. PHIPPS is an American author who resides near the ocean in picturesque Cornwall with her husband, daughter, and their Jack Russell, Milo. A lover of the written word, it has always been her dream to become a published author, and it is her hope to expand into multiple genres of fiction.
You can find her online at www.maphipps.com or through her various social media accounts.
The second book in The Origin Prophecy is precisely what I wanted in a sequel. This book will have you at the edge of your seat with a political twist, added characters, betrayal and romance. The story takes a dramatic turn and the tension is palpable as the fight between good and evil continues. Jaw-dropping plot twists and don't get me started about the ending, I need the next book. This quickly became one of my favourite YA series, I like the paranormal touch. The authors did a wonderful job with world-building and making these characters come to life. I'm still thinking about Caleb and Luna. 'My Goldilocks' just melts my heart every time.
Many thanks to MTMC Tours and the authors for a gifted electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
Así como con el primero, disfruté mucho este segundo libro. Sin embargo, saber cómo se dio la relación de Alexander y Alaric se me hizo un poco incómodo y no me agradó del todo que Caleb fuera emocionalmente vulnerable a medias con Luna, o sea, se entiende que ella necesite estabilidad por tanto trauma pero no me gusta que Caleb tenga que ser siempre el que se controle. Espero eso cambie.
Ooh this was so good. I've been obsessed with this series since I read an early version of the first book, so it was a lot of fun to reread that one and then jump into book two so quickly. My girl Luna just can't catch a break, and she faces one seemingly impossible challenge after another. Thankfully she's got a pretty awesome team on her side. We meet some new characters in this, and it's not always obvious who is on which side. So many twists and turns, secrets and lies. What. A. Ride. I am literally counting down the days until the next book is released. A big battle is coming, and I just hope Luna and Caleb will be ready.
***I voluntarily read a complimentary ARC of this book.***
It's hard to make a second book better than the first. This one had me even more on the edge of my feet ready to see what happens. I really hope in book 3 Luna becomes less of a flower and more of an avenging angel.
I am enjoying the action and inner struggles of the characters. With the prophecy unfolding, I think Luna turning into a badass warrior would put this series in my top 5 favorite nephlum stories. Even though it kinda already is. Lol
If you’re on the fence, trust me this series is very good. You want to read it. You will thank me later.
'Why go for the kill when you can go for the pain?' -- If there was one line to sum up this story, I think that quote would be it.
A SHORT PREVIEW: Picking up where Llightfall left off, Luna has been captured by the council of Archangels and imprisoned while they figure out what to do with her. Her deadly potential as a grey angel is revealed as she's the child of Lucifer and Gabriel. As Caleb, Luna's lover and best friend, starts to realize there is so much more at stake than Luna's tenuous grasp of her sanity. Family ties will be revealed, new friendships will arise, and celestially bound loyalties will be tested beyond what anyone thought possible. This second book in The Origin Prophecy series answers many questions from the first installment and sets readers up for another wild ride into GrayReign - the upcoming third book!!
THINGS I LOVED: - I said this about the first book, Lightfall, and my thoughts still hold true for Darkrise: this series is so well-researched, and the illustrations across the magnificent deserts of the Middle East had me completely entranced. As the daughter of a history buff, it's hard not to be excited when you run across characters of old with a completely new spin! Think Mesopotamia's Gilgamesh, Asmodeus a Judeo-Islamic demon prince, etc. - I know M.A.Phipps used our world as the backdrop for this story, but the WAY it was done is so beautiful and mentally revived my desire to see places of old after being stuck in the USA for so long due to the pandemic!!! Places like Egypt, India, and Cambodia are more than ever on my list due to the ancient architecture still standing today. If you like history, this story will really come alive for you!
MUSINGS: - This entire series is so refreshing, especially since it's available on Kindle Unlimited. There aren't many series with Biblical characters in combination with mythological characters from around the world. There are many contemporary retellings of Greek gods and Norse gods, but this is an entirely new genre on its own. (Some elements thematically remind me of that series Bluebloods by Melissa De La Cruz from when I was a teenager, though. That's the last thing I can compare it to.) - I had predictions about Asmodeus and a few other characters that I'm still not sure aren't correct, can't wait for the next book to come out!! As for the storyline, I have very few predictions on where it's going, and I kind of love that. I haven't read a series in a long time where I could just read and be pleasantly surprised the whole time. It reminds me of the Throne of Glass series, in a way? So many twists and turns! (Not a fan of Sarah J. Mass? If you follow anything political in general, do you know how people maneuver and loyalties change over time? Very much resembles that!)
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: I love how Caleb's character grows from a petulant bad boy to a caretaker. He definitely reads more like an adult in Darkrise, and his focus is more on taking care of Luna. On Luna's part, I think we see great growth but also... ever-widening fissures in her sanity. After learning her origin story.. can we really be surprised? - The entire series, I imagined Ishar as a deranged Bellatrix Lestrange character. Right down to her reverential subservience to Alexander, and it made me laugh the whole way through!!
NOTES: - Found Family - Mental Health Awareness - Young Adult / Coming of Age (I wouldn't call this series 'sexy'. More of a young adult forbidden love story.) - Mythological/Biblical retellings - 2nd in the series (Needs to be read in order - and I can tell you this is the first time in a while I've felt like I loved the second book just as much as the first!) - LGBTQ representation - Available on Kindle Unlimited
A NOTE FOR MY FELLOW RELIGIOUS READERS: The mythological/Biblical characters pulled forth in no way feel disrespectful to differing faiths. As a devout Christian myself, I recognize that the author took great pains to represent different gods/goddesses from across the globe. This is fantasy and escapism at its finest.. but in the end - still, JUST fantasy.
DarkRise is the second instalment of The Origin Prophecy series where we follow Luna and Caleb, two star-crossed Nephilim students on either side of an ancient divide of Light and Dark, now determined to be together.
Caleb wants one thing...his Goldilocks back. He made a promise to save her once they had released Alexander, and he was forced to leave her behind. Caleb has always been taught that blood is thicker than water, and loyalty to your bloodline is all that matters. But Caleb is also loyal to Luna, and will do whatever he has to in order to save her, no matter the consequences.
"I know we’ll have to face both the Light and the Dark forces, but for Goldilocks, I’d take on the Creator."
Luna faces her greatest challenge yet - imprisonment by the Council for not only aiding in Alexander's release, but for the revelation about her origins and what she truly is.
Book 2 was everything I hoped it would be. I read it in one sitting and I'm now counting down the days until GrayReign.
More thoughts, spoilers and hopes for book 3 below.
I absolutely adored book one LightFall, and after THAT cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to get my hands on DarkRise. DarkRise starts a few months after the events of LightFall with Caleb and Luna torn apart, desperately trying to find their way back to each, whilst navigating a brewing war and not knowing who to trust. DarkRise really ups the game on the action and I loved every word of it.
DarkRise seamlessly melds angelic lore, mythology and ancient history into a fascinating, action packed and twisty plot. The worldbuilding is superb, and unfolded at just the right pace to allow me to keep up.
The authors are skilled at creating rich, believable, three dimensional characters who captured my imagination. Luna and Caleb cemented themselves as one of my favourite fantasy couples, with their achingly beautiful and sweet chemistry. Wise cracking, charming Caleb was a bad boy with a heart of gold who will burn the world down for Luna. His wit never failed to add humour to even the darkest moments in the book. Luna was sweet, kind and resilient, despite the tough hand life dealt her. I really felt for her as she was pushed to her limits emotionally, but her bravery and strength shone through and I was rooting for her as she embraced her powers.
We're introduced to loads of fascinating secondary characters who enriched the story, many of whom I recognised from mythology and ancient history. I loved the blending of different lores and the author's modern take on how the characters had adapted to modern day life.
The plot is fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat as Caleb and Luna moved from one heart stopping moment to another. DarkRise ends on another jaw-dropping cliffhanger, so I'm counting down the days until book 3!
DarkRise is an addictive and unique urban fantasy, brimming with politics, intrigue, drama, forbidden love and twists and turns a plenty and I adored every word!
I love this book just as much as the first one in this amazing series. And just like the first, I didn’t want to put it down once I picked it up.
Set four months after the events of book one, DarkRise really ups the ante in every way. The stakes are higher, the heartbreak is soul-crushing, and the fight between the lights and the darks is gearing up to be a big one as angels and Nephilim take their sides, while the gray between them gets even grayer.
I really felt for Luna in this one. The poor girl can’t catch a break and the things she had to endure was truly heartbreaking. All she wants is to know who she is, where she comes from, and a family to love her, but her world only seems to be filled with deceit, cruelty, and those who want to use her for their own gain, all of which test her sanity and sense of self-worth and self-love. But she’s stronger than she thinks, and really grows, coming into her own in this book with the aid of Caleb and Alaric, along with a few surprising characters.
I felt for Caleb in this book, too. He wants nothing more than to get to Luna, and he’s willing to risk everything to accomplish it. His path to her is not an easy one, and he endures quite a lot, but like Luna, he too is stronger than he thinks.
This book truly is a great sequel and I cannot wait to see how it’ll all end in book three.
*I received a copy of this book from the author(s) in exchange for an honest review. This did not change or affect my opinion of this book in any way.*
I loved this book even more than the first one, and I am absolutely terrified (and anxiously awaiting) the next one. DarkRise picks up a few months after the end of LightFall, and things have only gotten more bleak for our leading duo.
Caleb's realizing that family and blind loyalty maybe aren't as great as they seem, and Luna is imprisoned by the council, where she is constantly being subjected to emotional and psychological torture. Caleb is trying to avoid a war, Luna just wants to know where she comes from, and ultimately, they just want to find their way back to one another.
Just like with LightFall, the supporting characters in DarkRise are compelling, intriguing, and downright entertaining. Lucifer and Beelzebub are definitely two characters I hope we get to spend more time with in the next book! I loved both of them so much, and the tiny snippets we were given definitely weren't enough for me. Also, Alaric. Just saying.
We get a lot of answers in this book, and I can't wait to see what else we learn before the series is over! I love this series so much, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the story wraps up in the final book.
I loved this book just as much as the first in this amazing series, and I couldn’t put it down once I started reading.
The second book in this series was just as compelling as the first. I really felt for Luna in this one. The poor girl can’t catch a break and the things she had to endure was truly heartbreaking. All she wants is to know who she is, where she comes from, and a family to love her, but her world only seems to be filled with deceit, cruelty, and those who want to use her for their own gain, all of which test her sanity and sense of self-worth and self-love. But she’s stronger than she thinks, and really grows in this book, coming into her own in this book with the aid of Caleb and Alaric, along with a few surprising characters.
This book is a great sequel and I can't wait to see how it all ends in the third instalment.
After reading and absolutely loving Book One Lightfall I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second instalment. DarkRise is set a few months after the end of book 1 and we get to see whats being going on since the release of The Grey. I liked that we got Lunas pov while she was imprisoned and got to see what she was going through as well as how Caleb was dealing with her absence and his uncles return to power. We get to meet some new characters and learn more about some old ones too. We get lots of action in this one which kept me gripped. Along with action we get some betrayal, some heartache and some real tender moments too. The end! I loved the ending and the epilogue has got me excited for the 3rd and final instalment although I'm not ready for it to be over quite yet. DarkRise is a brilliant addition to the series
This month is nothing like the past one. I started strong and this book is another strong 5 stars. It encapsulates si well the menacing and timeless nature of the characters. I also loved the names, as they too are inspired from miyhological creatures that by name alone are imposing and terrifying. The character's voices were well defined and I was so happy to discover un the chapter who they were n'arrêtes by through text alone (I forgot what it said at the beginning of the chapter). The pacing is appropriate and the twists very enthralling, it had me screaming or gasping several times. The relationships are so loving and the characters ever changing and real. Favorite of all Lucifer as a father figure😍 I really have to pick up the first one of the series. Highly recommended.
hey god it’s me notorious middle book lover. absolutely obsessed with the characterization of caleb; what matters to him and the sense of clarity he has on consent, boundaries, and assault. he’s not so detached from himself after years of corporal punishment to not recognize when he’s been assaulted. luna’s characterization lacked in this one, but i don’t think it was wrong. she’s been a victim her whole life and while she finally had autonomy in LightFall, she had none in DarkRise. it’s cyclic. it’s like she’s back in the padded room institutionalized. she’s collapsed into herself so there wasn’t room for character growth; and there probably wasn’t supposed to be. also i want alexander Dead <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this series. Also the covers are probably the prettiest covers I have seen in a while. This book picks up 4 months after Alexander is released and Luna is imprisoned. Caleb remains loyal to Luna which harms his relationship with his grandfather. Luna can’t tell what’s real and what’s not and how she came to exist. Some sequels can’t compare to their predecessor but this book one ups LightFall. I love Caleb and Luna’s relationship but my favorite part truly is side characters. All the banter and jokes among the team is what makes it so much fun. I wish the third book would come sooner.
Even better than the first book, this fantastic installment will suck you in this wonderful world: the angst, heartache and betrayal will shatter your heart but, the love, the 'found' family, the loyalty and the hope, will keep you together through this agonizing journey! 😭😍💕 Love Luna and Caleb so much but, also, can't avoid love some amazing side characters! 🤗🥰 Now, I can't wait to know how this story will unravel; the next book can't come soon enough!!! ❤️
t's hard to make a second book better than the first. This one had me even more on the edge of my feet ready to see what happens. I really hope in book 3 Luna becomes less of a flower and more of an avenging angel.
I am enjoying the action and inner struggles of the characters. With the prophecy unfolding, I think Luna turning into a badass warrior would put this series in my top 5 favorite nephlum stories. Even though it kinda already is. Lol
If you’re on the fence, trust me this series is very good. You want to read it. You will thank me later.
Darkrise is the perfect sequel to Lightfall, and picks up where the latter left off. The writing and world-building of this series keeps me obsessively reading. There's action, suspense, betrayal, and romance, all set in a world where angels and nephilim walk among us, half of whom are determined to stop an egomaniacal would-be dictator from destroying the world––while the other half want to help him. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I can't wait for the conclusion.
I’ve been reeling ever since book one’s cliffhanger. So when I was offered an advanced copy I scooped that baby up!
Caleb and Luna are pure love and devotion. I love this young couple so freaking much. And their journey still feels like it’s just beginning!
All the information you get in this book is WILD, but I loved getting a lot of unanswered questions answered. Seeing all of these characters evolve and picking sides…it’s just so good!
Hey, I just want Luna to be happy, okay? Is that too much to ask? These authors terrorize her. A lot. Her arc is heartbreaking, but at least she has Caleb. Oh, my little sexy dark darling. He’ll burn the world to get to her. The story is ramping up to bigness (word?) The tension between lights and darks is fantastic. I just love these characters, love the history and mythology. Excuse me while I go disappear into the next book.
it's a great book. there are times where I started to loose interest when the FMC kept going on about things that happened in her life and yes we know it happened throughout the first book so we know!! however i get why the writer did his because the FMC is struggling etc but just as I am thinking mm nah I am over it .. something good happens and I am captured again so well done
Loved this book. The history and depth put into this book is beautiful, the characters unique and distinctive. I love Caleb and Luna and can't wait to find out what happens. Obviously, if you've read book one you'll be dying for book two. I could not put it down!!
I literally saved a calendar reminder for the release date of this book. The revelations that each of the more senior characters have throughout the book was my favorite part. March is too far away!
Started slow but picked up after the first quarter of the book. I fall more for Caleb with each book. I still feel like Luna could be a stronger heroine so hopefully she proves me right in the finale.
An amazing story as always by this author. Action , suspense, danger and more. Once you start there’s no stopping. Such wonderful characters to draw you into their world.
#darkrise Is Book Two In #theoriginprophecy Trilogy By #maphipps & #rebeccajaycox This Trilogy Is Focused Around Angels Both Still Loyal To The Creator & Those Who Chose To Fall From Grace. It Also Contains A Loose Romeo & Juliet Element With Our Two POVs Luna & Caleb! 💕
I Won’t Give Many Details About This One As It A Sequel But I Defo Have Some Feelings To Share 😍
This One Pretty Much Picks Up Immediately From The Shocking Twist Of An End That Was Book One. Wow I Was Not Prepared From The Gut Punch This Book Gave Me From The Start. The Emotion Was Raw And I Could Feel Luna’s Pain Radiating Off Of The Page. I Wanted To Pull Her Out Of Those Pages Just To Give Her The Safety Of A Friendly Hug. It Was Written So Well That I Was Fully Immersed Despite All Of The Sadness 😭
I Love Seeing How I Can See Two Very Different Voices In The POV Chapters For Both Caleb & Luna. I Think It Beautifully Showcases Two Different Writers Talent On The Page. Though Despite These Two Distinctive Voices You Can Feel A Harmonious Balance That Gives This Book Such A Constant Flow You Would Think It Is One Author 😍😍😍
I Would Highly Recommend This Series If You Love:
- Morally Grey Characters 😏 - Touch Her And Die Vibes 😜 - Sassy & Sarcastic Side Characters 😝 - BOSS Females 😉 - Beautiful Locations Around The World 🌎 - Kicking Some Ass! 🦵
It’s so good! Book two picks right up after book one and that devastating cliffhanger: The escape/freedom gone wrong! Basically Luna is now the cage Gray and Alexander is free: luna is trap and caleb is devastated.
We get to see the aftermath to these star crossed lovers , their struggles, the tears, the trauma and the little bit of hope. Being separated triggers these two severely.. which makes the reunion more heartbreaking . So much happens, and another bitter-sweet reunion is left at the end. Cannot wait for book three!!!! the final conclusion is coming!!!