Rising Shadow by Jacquelyn Wheeler - Review

Synopsis via goodreads:

Ashlyn Woods just transferred to one of the most beautiful campuses on the west coast, where she can't wait to start her life over as a normal college student. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is a Soterian: a person who develops amazing powers when the balance of good and evil shifts too far in evils favor. Soon she and the other Soterians are studying martial arts and learning to use their powers to prevent California from being plunged into chaos. But they quickly discover that they're up against a much more dangerous enemy than they anticipated. And when Ashlyn meets Kai, a devastatingly gorgeous guitar player, she realizes she must sacrifice more than she ever imagined.

Hmm, ok how do I start this review? I could start out by saying how much I truly enjoyed this book, but that's not really going to capture my feelings. I could say, I cant wait to read the next installment of the Soterians series, but again – that's not going to tell you how I really felt about it...

So, I am going to start out by saying that Rising Shadow for me, was/is a breath of fresh air, in a room that's gotten filled by lots of vampire books!

The premise is much the same as a lot of novels I read, good verses evil – but there's a twist, with in the Soterians world, evil can never be 100% over come, it can never be beaten – the only thing that the “good guys” IE Soterians can hope to do, is to bring the world, along with themselves back into balance, where good may have the upper hand but evil is always forever lurking in the shadows. Much like the idea of a yin and yang – good is “on top” but there will always be evil!

Another thing that really struck me, is gentle woven into the fabric of the story are good lesson's for everyone, one that struck me as considerably poignant is that fear and self doubt only serve to take your strength away, how true is that? Ashlyn struggles with this a lot in the book, fear that she's not good enough, fear that she could never be good enough for Kai or for the rest of the Soterians.

Jacquelyn also has Ashlyn and Kai fall in love quite fast, and often with in books where this happens I am left saying um, WHY? However, I never once found myself saying that while reading this book – yes they fall in love quickly, but there also not normal “teens” they spend hours upon hours just talking to each other, filling each other up with information about themselves, never hiding anything...trust is built immediately, and from there love blooms – both Kai and Ashlyn are responsible in the way they are feeling, never rushing into things like sex - they take it one step at a time, though they know there love is real. Its a love that left me feeling it, if that makes sense – never once questioning weather it could be true...It's a love that reminded me that I have always believed in love at first sight.

For a debut novel, Jacquelyn Wheeler has gained my respect, as well as my money – I will be one of the first in line to pick up Merger when it comes out that's for sure! She has a way with characters and writing that I will call “earthly” - gritty, getting in your face and grabbing your attention.

Bottom line – if you have yet to be introduced to Ashlyn and Kai I recommend you pick up the book, you will not be disappointed...with it's fast pace, butt kicking action, down to earth characters and meaningful messages – Rising Shadow's has risen up to to become one of my favorite reads so far this year, I cant WAIT for Merger! A 5 mushroom read for me!

Rising Shadow

Written by: Jacquelyn Wheeler
378 Pages
Published: September 10, 2009
Publisher: Jacquelyn Wheeler

Stay tuned on Thursday Jacquelyn is going to be here to talk about her new book coming up Merger, along with some other fun stuff! :-)