Mundie Moms

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Blog Tour/Book Review: ARISE by Tara Hudson


Published by: Harper Teen
To Be Released on: June 5th, 2012
Source: ARC from author/publisher to review
4.5 stars: I Really Enjoyed It!
Pre-Order from: IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Amelia—still caught between life and death—must fight for every moment of her relationship with the human boy Joshua. They can hardly even kiss without Amelia accidentally dematerializing. Looking for answers, they go to visit some of Joshua’s Seer relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia ends up with more questions than answers…and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.Wandering through the French Quarter, Amelia meets other in-between ghosts, and begins to seriously consider joining them. And then she meets Gabrielle. Somehow, against impossible odds, Gaby has found a way to live a sort of half-life...a half-life for which Amelia would pay any price. Torn between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the netherworld choose for her -quoted from Goodreads


This is another fabulous, must read sequel. I loved what Tara did in HEREAFTER, and really enjoyed the direction the story went in ARISE. The stakes are higher in this book, and I felt like Amelia's story took on a more serious tone. It's more emotional, a little darker and has this amazing historical setting in New Orleans, which was the perfect stage for some of the things that happen in this book. I've not been to New Orleans, but I felt like I got to see it first hand through Tara's vivid descriptions of this vibrant city. I loved how New Orleans's rich history played a huge part in Amelia's story and her quest for answers. 

Amelia's journey is full of heartbreak and some startling twists. I didn't except to feel so torn and emotionally invested the way I did with this sequel. Tara did a fabulous job in allowing me to understand the motives behind Amelia's decisions. She's battling the ever dark forces that are trying to claim her, her stained relationship is taking a toll on her, and no matter how hard she tries to fight between her ghost life and the human life she yearns for, things never work out the way she hopes. After all, she's fighting against a force that makes it nearly impossible for Joshua and her to be together, she's a ghost and he's human. That's also what makes Amelia such an interesting character. No matter how hard it is, Amelia does everything she can to make it work, and she'll do whatever she can to protect those she loves. I love that strength about her. 

Not to out do Amelia, Joshua is just a fabulous as he was in HEREAFTER. I admire his devotion and love for Amelia regardless of the things that go against their being together. The romance is great! Tara rewards fans with some great swoon worthy moments between these two. This story's excitement picks up with the introduction of a few new characters to this series, as well as leads into the more sinister plot line that is uncovered. One of my favorite new characters is Gaby. She becomes that friend and voice of reason that Amelia needs, as she struggles with the two lives she's trying to live. Gaby is one of those all around fabulous friends we all want to have. She's there to offer support, guidance and just be there for Amelia. I love how her back story ties into this story!

The setting is awesome! It's mysterious, alluring, dark and enchanting. I loved the diverse, rich, intriguing world that Tara created in New Orleans for this story. This city was the perfect place for Amelia's journey and the things she uncovers here. The way the history of New Orleans and the "older" residents there were a perfect fit for ARISE. Aside from the story itself, check out this cover! I seriously love it! It's such a perfect fit for this story. If you're looking for a haunting, sizzling summer read I highly recommend picking this one up! 



Be sure to follow the entire ARISE blog tour HERE! Gather the code word at each stop to unscramble the ARISE phrase. Once you collect each word, be sure to enter the phrase along with your info to be entered to win a signed set of Tara's HEREAFTER & ARISE books. 

Today's Code Word is: SURE

Don't miss tomorrow's guest post on Confessions of a Vi3tBabe


JUNE YA Releases

Just in time for Summer Reading! Check out this month's fabulous releases:

June 5th:
June 7th:
  • Want by Stephanie Lawton, InkSpell Publishing
June 12th:
June 14th:
June 26th:
If you see any books that are due to be released this month missing, please leave me a comment below and I'll add it. Thank you! Happy Reading!

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