Rise (Rule Series #2)

by Ellen Goodlett

Overview

Dark pasts and forbidden romances haunt three ambitious sisters as they fight for their lives in this sequel to Rule, which New York Times bestselling author Elly Blake called "dazzling" and "pulse-pounding."



Sisters Akeylah, Ren, and Zofi are all a step closer to their dying father's throne, a step closer to the crown that will bring one of them to rule over Kolonya. But the sisters' pasts continue to haunt them. Each hides a secret marked with blood and betrayal, and now their blackmailer is holding nothing back. When King Andros discovers the sisters' traitorous pasts, the consequences will shake the entire kingdom to its core.


As Kolonya's greatest threat stalks closer and closer, weaving a web of fear and deceit around Ren, Zofi, and Akeylah, even the people they love are under suspicion. If the sisters are going to survive, they'll have to learn to trust each other above all else and work together, not only to save themselves, but to protect everyone and everything they hold dear.


With shocking reveals and suspenseful storytelling, this breathtaking sequel to Rule will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316515337
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	06/09/2020
Series:	Rule , #2
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	459,289
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Ellen Goodlett is a Pittsburgh native and former New Yorker. She wrote Rule while traveling the world with 78 other digital nomads, living in a different country every month. Rule was her debut novel.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Rise:

"In this action-packed sequel...Goodlett does not disappoint — unexpected twists and turns keep the plot fresh and readers wanting more.... A female-centric narrative that puts empathy, trust, and familial love before romance." — Kirkus Reviews

"This thrilling sequel to Rule (2018) will be hotly anticipated by readers due to the first book's exciting ending. Goodlett has built a fully realized world that begs to be explored. Purchase this duology as set for any library."— Booklist

Praise for Rule:

" Rule delivers dazzling magic, suspenseful court intrigue, and pulse-pounding surprises. A treat for fans of richly layered fantasy!"— Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Frostblood Saga

"Goodlett treats readers to juicy gossip, court intrigue, and danger. [Her] worldbuilding is detailed and politically astute...providing a satisfying build toward a cliffhanger ending."— Publishers Weekly

"An epic fantasy adventure...[with] death threats, political intrigue, and just the right amount of romance. A great purchase for libraries with strong readers and fantasy lovers."— SLJ

"Goodlett weaves an absorbing narrative of political intrigue, friendship and romance."— BCCB

" Rule is an exhilarating, fresh fantasy full of complicated and authentic female characters navigating court politics, blackmail, forbidden romance, and their own dark pasts. With breakneck pacing and a toe-curlingly good queer romance, Rule is sure to satisfy."— Lindsay Smith, author of Sekret and Web of Frost

" Rule is a such a propulsive, richly imagined, and sexy debut that you'll be reading 'just one more page' way past your bedtime."— Corrie Wang, author of The Takedown

"The fast-paced plot makes for an engaging read.... Refreshing."— Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

07/12/2019

Gr 9 Up-This dark fantasy comes to a conclusion in this sequel to Rule. Sisters Akeylah, Ren, and Zofi are forced to share their secrets with one another, trusting that they will be able to work together to survive the threats made by the blackmailer calling themselves the "true heir." As their father nears death, exiled Zofi searches for a way to reverse the curse that is killing him, and Akeylah learns that Queen Rozalind, now her lover, has a secret that not only could change the succession but also makes Rozalind a prime suspect as the blackmailer. While all three sisters are forced to take a hard look at themselves and take responsibility for their actions, Akeylah's character development truly shines in this story as she feeds the strength that has always been there, even when she was abused and neglected before the sisters were revealed as heirs to the crown. The explicit violence and sexual implications in this compelling series make it a better fit for more mature teens. VERDICT Fans of Kendare Blake's "Three Dark Crowns" books and Morgan Rhodes's "Falling Kingdoms" series will enjoy this duology, as will readers who are looking for dark fantasy without lengthy and ongoing installments.-Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH

School Library Journal

2019-01-23
In this action-packed sequel to Rule (2018), Zofi, Ren, and Akeylah once again find themselves in a precarious position in the palace they now call home.

Not only are they hiding terrible acts of treason, but they are also no closer to finding their blackmailer—the true heir—who threatens to expose them. Since the sisters refuse to give up their claims to the throne, the blackmailer begins to target them and their loved ones instead: Following the murder of their aunt, Yasmin, an attempt is made on Ren's life (although she is rescued in the nick of time). To make matters worse, everyone now knows that Zofi murdered her half brother, the Silver Prince, and that Ren's misplaced trust resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. Only Akeylah's secret—accidentally cursing King Andros to his death—is still safe, but that is only because the true heir thinks she is easy to manipulate. With Zofi banished from the kingdom and Ren under lock and key, will the sisters stop the true heir before anyone else is killed? Goodlett does not disappoint—unexpected twists and turns keep the plot fresh and readers wanting more, and character development is stronger than in the previous volume. Ethnicity remains difficult to determine, but the treatment of Travelers and mistrust of foreigners reflect issues in our world.

A female-centric narrative that puts empathy, trust, and familial love before romance. (Fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews