The Rising: A Novel

The star quarterback, the brainy tutor, a high school football Friday night. That is how The Rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land begins, but the story that follows that seemingly normal night turns into anything but when a visitor and accident set wheels in motion that have no intention of stopping. Alex Chin is the all-star quarterback dating the head cheerleader and leading the high school life many dream of having. When a devastating injury occurs during a game landing Alex in the hospital, secrets begin to be uncovered that affect not only him but his tutor, Sam Dixon, and his parents. Suddenly he finds people looking for him who he never knew existed. A freak incident during a routine exam at the hospital followed by the murder of his doctor and parents by things unknown set Alex and Sam running for their lives and looking for answers. The more they uncover, the more questions they have, and the list of people they can turn to or trust is basically no one. Will Alex and Sam uncover the truth about Alex’s existence, and who will get to them first, help or hunters?

The Rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land is a five-star suspenseful thrill ride that will keep you guessing as you find yourself unable to stop turning the pages. Graham and Land have joined together to create a thriller that has a touch of science fiction, a bit of mystery, and a ton of suspense that will appeal to young adult readers as well as adult readers. While the details at times slowed the pace of the book slightly, the authors were able to make sure those occurrences were few and far between to keep readers hooked. Unlike your average alien science fiction novel, The Rising is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat and hooked until the final page. Well done!