Kalifus Rising Review

Title: Kalifus Rising
Author: Alane Adams
Series: Legends of Orkney #2
Publisher: Sparkpress
Publication Date: 06 September 2016
Source: Author
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Reading Timeline: 11 October 2017 - 12 October 2017

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sam Baron just freed Orkney from the ravages of the Red Sun - but now, imprisoned by Catriona, leader of the Volgrim Witches, Sam finds the darker side of his half-god, half-witch heritage released, and he fears he might destroy what he saved. Unable to resist the witches' enchantments, Sam has become their most potent weapon, and is leading an army of monstrous men against Skara Brae. Sam's only hope for salvation lies with his three best friends and a mystical artefact known as the Moon Pearl. Keely travels north in search of the pearl, while Howie prepares for the gathering onslaught. Leo seeks a powerful artefact in the underworlds and faces an ancient evil that could be an even greater threat than Catriona and her cronies. As Sam's friends rush to save him, other forces are at work in Orkeny's shadows - forces that could help free Sam, or condemn him to the darkness forever.

Book Review:

Pre-reading Thoughts:

I am super excited for this book. I have been meaning to get to it for months but it just seems like the universe was working against me with this one. I posted a poll on instagram and while it was a close call between this book and another one, I am so happy that I get to pick this one up! This book probably has one of my favourite covers ever. I absolutely love it! I cannot wait to continue the story and see what happens to Sam and his band of friends!

Thank you so much to the author, Alane Adams, for sending me a copy of her book to review! Just a small disclaimer for those reading this review. I have received this book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that this does not affect my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The writing in the first book was quite good but the improvement in this book just made the words flow more effortlessly. There was a little more detail than in the previous book that just add a bit more to the vivd image I had of Orkney. The dialogue was more natural and flowed quite well into the story. I also loved the use of multiple stories being interwoven in the plot. 

Plot Thoughts:

The multiple stories just made the plot more fast paced. I found myself flying through this book like crazy. The plot was fun and enticing. I was constantly wondering what would happen next. I also loved how this story didn't just focus on Sam. I loved seeing more of Keely, Leo and Howie. This plot took the action to the next level and I am pretty there was a tear in my eyes at one stage.

Character Thoughts:

I loved how we got to see Keely, Leo and Howie a lot more. We got to see some character development from them. Keely's independent and level-headed nature was made stronger in this book. We also got to see her vulnerable side. We got to see Leo develop from a side character into a full blown primary character. I loved how he remained the same but he just seemed more mature. Howie was still as funny as ever. I think I loved his character the development the most. He used to  view himself as something weak and unable to help anyone. But he rose from the status of being the underdog and found his feet.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed the continuation of Sam's story. This book took the world of Orkney to the next level. The writing's flow was incredible and the interwoven stories were done so well. The multiple story lines just pushed the book to progress even faster. We got to see more of Keely, Leo and Howie. We also got to see how they all developed from the first book. Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a copy of her book!

Yours in Reading,

Melleny