Rise

June 1, 2016

Gr 9 Up-This believable fantasy/adventure has a great setting with a strong, realistic, and likable female character. Kaia is trying to get medicine for her sick father in the land of Nebelek, where Morlet rules with an iron fist. She has to avoid the soldiers, find the apothecary, and get home before curfew, when the soldats enforce strict discipline. In this land, the people have been waiting more than 100 years for a prophecy to come true-when all 12 Krigers come together to overthrow Morlet and bring peace and prosperity back to their land. Kaia soon learns that she is the final Kriger. With the help of an assassin and his friend, and the years she has spent battle-training with her father, the teen escapes the guards who chase her and flees to a forest with Vidar and Anders. She is safe for a time, but danger lurks at every moment, and she has to come to terms with her destiny. The main characters are well developed through realistic dialogue, and the action-packed pace will keep readers engaged. VERDICT Fans of Tamora Pierce's "Circle Opens" and "Song of the Lioness" books and Sharon Green's "The Blending" series will love this strong new female character and her fantastic adventures.-Cathleen Ash, Manor High School, TX

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