Now I RiseAuthor: Kiersten White
Series: The Conquerors Saga #2
Published by: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: June 27, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 480
Source: Publisher
Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.
What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?
As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.
I. Love. This. Series.
That is all.
Okay, okay … seriously, I do have mad love for it. Now I Rise continues the story of Lada and Radu. They’re separated now, forging their own paths.
I just love everything about this book, including all great characters there are to love and hate, the action, the plotting & scheming, the twist on historical events/people, and on and on. Like the first book, Now I Rise is on the longer side, but it’s a pretty quick read. I couldn’t put it down!
I love Lada so much. She’s fierce and vicious, doing what ever it takes to get what she wants. What she wants is her home back, to obtain the throne and become the prince. Yes, I said “prince”. She has to fight, scheme, back-stab, and align with former enemies to get there. Constantly having to prove herself. Then there’s Radu, who decides to make a huge move that puts him in a lot of danger, but it’s something he feels he needs to do.
It’s interesting watching Lada and Radu separated. They were never close, but they always had each other to rely on and balance each other out. Radu’s strengths made up for Lada’s weaknesses, and vice versa. Lada definitely went through some shit, but I feel Radu had the most growth. I’m dying to see what’s coming, because that ending … *evil laugh*.
Bring on the next book!
For some reason I had it in my head that this was a duology. I have both on audio.
I’m not sure how many books are planned, but I know a 3rd will be out in June 2018.
So, it’s a series? Sounds SO good. I need to wait the next books though since I hate cliffhangers. Hehe. Awesome review as always, my friend. ?❤️
I’m not sure how many are planned, but I know there will be a 3rd in June. It isn’t necessarily a cliffhanger. It ends with a finished feeling, but also lets you know big stuff is coming in the next book.
Oh great! I hope you’ll have the next one soon. I ghave a book by this author to try but I confess that for now I haven’t tried any
I never heard of this series before. It does sound intriguing.
Oh the user name is so incorrect. Have no idea what happened.
That’s actually kind of funny, Made Be. 😉
There, added to my TBR
that’s all hehe
I adored this too, there is just something about Lada’s unforgiving fierceness and is appealing. She really doesn’t care, she just gets the job done, consequences be damned.
I adored this one but Lada’s parts were just TOO short for my liking!! Yes, Radu grew… and grew some more. But me, I wanted his shorter and her’s longer!!!!!! Waaaaahhhh!!!! *stomp, stomp, stomp* I think this next one has got to be the last book, though. I hope Mehmed gets what he deserves… still haven’t figured out what that is, though. 😛
Great review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven’t read this but it sounds good. I wish we could just say, read it! when we come across a good book. lol
Well if you have mad love for it, then I need to get on it! Sounds fab!
I need to get to this one soon! I loved the first one but my request wasn’t approved for this one. I plan to grab it from my library soon. I can’t wait to spend more time with Lada and Radu. Glad you enjoyed it!
You’ve convinced me that I need to check out this series. 🙂 I think I have the first book on my wish list already, but maybe I should move it up. I love the sound of this! Thanks for sharing, Christy.
I know! That ending! I enjoyed this one too and we needs that next one NOW! 😀
Another series that I really want to read. Lada sounds like a fantastic heroine. But both threads of the story with the siblings have appeal.
Gah, I NEED these books! I still don’t own the first one so I need to get on that. I’m pretty sure I’m going to love these!!
How frigging epic is this? I love that Lada is vicious and takes no prisoners in her desire to get what she wants!
omg I loved Book I SO MUCH! Now I can’t wait to get to this one! thanks for the great review
I’m so behind. Ugh…. I need to pick up the first book and this one and soon!
I listened to the first one in July I think and enjoyed it, but the second has gotten some mixed reviews. Still sounds like I need to give it a go.
Man I love that cover. And this does sound pretty good- I remember wanting to try her Mind Games books and never did, looks like she’s pretty prolific.
I’ve heard great things about this series, and the general consensus seems to be that it has fantastic characters! I’m glad it continues to be so good.
hah.. the name Lada is forever gonna link to the car for me XD thats what I picture everytime I read it cough anyway
Oh this series does sound fantastic I feel like everyone loves it. I think I am a proud owner of book 1, but .. you know how it goes. I hoard, have not read
You have me so curious about the ending, I’ll have to add this series to my list — if I haven’t already. Lol. Glad this was such a great one for you!
I absolutely loved this, too. Lada is such an amazing main character, and I root for her so hard! I can’t wait for the next book 🙂
For some reason I’ve really been off fantasy like this for a while. This sounds like a great series though. Maybe I’ll add it to my list for Spring after I get my autumn/winter cozy mystery/suspense/romance fixes…
It isn’t fantasy. It’s more historical fiction that is a twist on the real Dracula, except he’s a she. It’s done really well.
Glad this is a great series for you!! I have heard great things but just haven’t gotten to it yet.
I have a copy of this one to read too Christy and absolutely adored book one for that very reason. Lada. She has got to be one of the best characters YA has ever produced, a close second being Mia from Nevernight. I must admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of Radu in book one when he was around Lada, I think she brought out the worst in his character. So excited to crack this one open now seeing you’ve loved it so much. Brilliant review Christy, really enjoyed it <3 <3
My blog buddy reviewed this for the blog, I have yet to read the first book but in her review she mentioned something about the religion part. Is it pushing boundaries?
I saw that review and don’t agree about that aspect. I believe Melissa’s comment pretty much echoes my sentiments.
I am such a huge fan of Kiersten White and I can’t wait to start on this series, it sounds wonderful!
A great review.
Why haven’t I read Kiersten White yet! This series sounds so good!