This is the third book in the Soul Collectors series, but you can find the whole series: here.
Customary warning: This is a reminder that these reviews are my personal opinions. My thoughts and feelings are not your thoughts and feelings. I may not always be the target audience for a book; sometimes I am. If I do not like a book, that doesn’t mean you’ll dislike it. If I love a book or simply like a book, you may hate it. Take everything I say with this in mind. If it sounds interesting to you despite what I’ve said, then go ahead and read it. You’ll only know you like something if you read it yourself.
Spoilers ahead!
That being said…
Rising by Tara Benham
Synopsis From The Book
The battle is coming.
Bayla has survived everything that has been thrown at her, but new friendships come with new feelings. As secrets continue to be revealed, Bayla is forced to reexamine everything she has ever thought, felt, or been told.
With everyone she loves in danger, Bayla is faced with having to choose between following the path she has always been shown…or listening to her heart.
Short Synopsis By Me
The conclusion to the Soul Collectors Series, Bayla is faced not only with an impending war, but what it means to be a true leader.
Initial Thoughts Before Reading:
I am so happy that this is a trilogy. Book series that are longer sometimes put me off, unless I’m invested before hand. I also, love how the covers went from black to white. It’s very pretty. Accidentally read the last line of this book when I was checking total pages (and to see if it was the last book). The last line gives me hope for an exciting series!
Initial Thoughts After Reading:
I am happy I got through it. In truth it was not badly written. I’m just mentally tired. It was a different type of journey than what I had expected.
What I Liked:
This book goes through the war and the aftermath of the war. Perhaps having the most events out of all the books thus far.
I am happy that the book goes into what happens after the war. How do the lives change? What happens? It was a good conclusion to the narrative, other than an “it’s over.” I liked this. I liked being able to see Bayla take on her new role. I liked
Still liked the same characters as before.
I really liked the Elder’s reveal to all be creatures with emotions and living in the “grey.” This was cool to me. The idea that the most “good” creatures were the “grey” ones was excellent.
What I Would Have Liked or Changed:
Apparently the plot reasons for Bayla’s drastic change were necessary. Her taking to characters and falling in such intense emotions so quickly were necessary. I wish this came out earlier. I wish that her moods weren’t so dramatic. I’ve never heard of a girl having such an emotional response to learning new things as to pass out. This wasn’t anxiety or panic induced, or falling asleep after crying. This was the shock of learning so much news that she passed out. Like her mind couldn’t handle or fathom it, kind of like it broke her. I figure this was suppose to be the emotions changing her, but I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it.
Everyone died, then some came back to life? Well that’s fantastic, but it sort of takes away the weight of their deaths. I, personally, could have lived without it. Let the weight of their deaths sink in, or bring them all back. Picking and choosing isn’t really fair. Personally I would have liked them all dead. The weight of it is what is important.
Bayla has know Meph for years, falls for him in weeks and then marries him six months later? Talk about a quick romance. I’ve heard of people falling in love and marrying in six months, but when you were mortal enemies at one point for years? Sure. Okay. Soulmates. I’ll buy it, I suppose…
Why You Should Read:
To finish the series. In truth I think this book may have the most development out of all the books, plot progression wise.
Time Taken To Read
50min
Rating: 3/5
Notable Quotes:
“Emotions are new to you. It’ll take a while to learn complete control over them, but don’t stop having them. They will make you a better leader. They may not always be fun, but they will serve you well. They have already served you well. You are strong, you just need to remember that.” – Father Paul to Bayla
Marlena Marie 
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