Rising Storm: An Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (The Last Sanctuary Book 1)

RISING STORM: THE LAST SANCTUARY BOOK 1 is a real fine read. Another reviewer wrote "this is an impressive book", and I totally agree. First, a post apocalyptic thriller mainly taking place on a luxury cruise ship is a refreshing new angle. The characters are complexly diverse. The plot is intense, and the futuristic aspects of the ship's amenities are intriguing. The elegant and refined Amelia is a great contrast compared to many post apocalyptic female leads. She's beautiful, delicate and disciplined. Amelia is also hiding a frightful secret, that could end her. Her character blossoms from a pampered new age girl into fierce tigress. Kyla writes strong independent women with a flare, and added to that delightful strength by introducing young Willow, a Filipina girl with guts and a will to survive. Gabriel, who comes across first as suave and mysterious proves later to be a total creep, spineless and shifty, while his younger brother Micah grows from a meek follower into a man of character. The shipboard action is very intense and the plot totally unpredictable. I'll be sure to read Book 2 soon.

Reason for 4 stars… The prologue introduces the main character, Amelia, who is by herself on the ship trying to stay out of sight of the terrorists. Issue: (spoilers) 1) Amelia is never by herself throughout the entire book, and she has no idea what is happening on the upper decks since she was whisked away to the security officer's quarters below by Gabriel. 2) Willow, does end up alone trying to stay clear of the evil people. The author confuses the two characters, and possibly two versions of the prologue and mixed them up. 3) Amelia seems to know what her father has done, however, Amelia doesn't know anything until the very end. 4) Amelia seems to have done something that makes her feel guilty -- two possibilities, but neither are her fault. 5) Amelia seems to have a plan, but has to survive to make it happen. Again, she has no idea what is going on until Micah tells her and Gabriel what has happened. In a nutshell, the prologue has nothing to do with the rest of the story except for the amazing visual that is given about the destruction and carnage of what has taken place on the ship. Prologues should give a background of story or is eventually tied into the storyline. Throughout the book I kept looking for that tie in, and even went back and reread the prologue to see if I had missed it. I did not. Obviously minor, and still a great read!

This is an impressive book. I’ve become a bit jaded with young adult books over the years, but that was my only reticence about picking up this one. The story sounded interesting enough for me to take the plunge, and I’m glad I did. I even read it in one evening, staying up until 3 in the morning to finish it. Why? It wasn’t one of those fast-paced, heart-racing books that you just can’t put down because you have to know what’s happening next; no, it was better than that, and more skilful than many that follow that formula. I didn’t put it down because I felt for the characters and wanted to know what happened to them. We knew from early in the book that something big was planned, but we didn’t know exactly what. This provided an underling tension that alone kept me reading. What are they planning exactly? I wondered. As the story developed and I realised how the characters (there were quite a few of them) all would have different perspectives on the coming event, my curiosity was further aroused. And once the event occurred, then it was a matter of wondering who would survive and in what manner. The characters are all complex and well-drawn, and their interactions and dialogue very realistic. Not only is the writing professional, so is the editing. Added to that, the author explores the classic theme of inequality, and Gabriel’s commitment to his cause paralleled the kind of fervour that makes it easy for people to radicalise young men from disadvantaged backgrounds. One thing I need to mention, however, is that this is subtitled a dystopian thriller but there is nothing dystopian about it. The events on the ship, apart from it being super high tech could have happened here now. Though this is the first book, so maybe it’s heading into a dystopia. Put all together, this is a 5 star book. And the rest of the series is just as good.

I have read many of Kyla Stones books. This one was hard to get interested in. I think it just went into to many directions. I’m not a quitter so I will go for the next one and see how that goes.

The characters are perfect and going to each character and leaving the last one you are reading about will drive you crazy. But quickly you get just as much excitement with the new chapter and then it goes to the next. What I’m saying is each and every character will give you a definite thrill and excitement that keeps you hanging on every character and chapter. A real page turner!

I am finding this interesting and timely as the dystopian future described in this book does not seem so far away with Trump and his hairbrained troop of appointees poised to take power along with the recent CEO killing. A world that is increasingly controlled by rich corporations and individuals is being thrusted down our throats and the rebellion started in Book 1 feels very justifiable. I am very much rooting for the "bad" guys in this one.

I’ve been reading books by Kyla Stone for years now. I thought I had read this one already, but apparently not. I am so glad to find this series and can’t wait to start the next one. Very soon I’m going on a cruise to Alaska, so I am hoping my cruise will not turn out like this one did

Very action packed and fast passed!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. The storyline is a very good one that makes you want to know what happens next

Love your books Kyla. You sure know how to bring your characters to life. Looking forward to the next one.

The series kept me on the edge of my seat. Easy read action packed with a great story line.

I really liked Kyla's earlier post apocalyptic series but I couldn't get into this one. There was too much reminiscing for me and I couldn't relate to any of the characters.

This is my first time reading a novel by Kyla Stone, after seeing her books advertised to me and suggested. Let’s just say I’m not disappointed. Rising Storm is an amazing read it follows four teens perspective during what should have been a smooth sailing voyage, yet it’s far from that. And the title definitely embodies the storyline. The characters are well written and each of them unique, each play to their strengths and weaknesses. What I love is seeing them develop throughout the disaster they find themselves in, seeing them struggle with right and wrong. They felt very human to me seeing this, in many novels you see the characters almost hardened straight away and don’t seem affected by events. But Stone has done it perfectly, her characters a very relatable. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Would definitely recommend this book 110%.