Book Review: Riser (The Riser Saga)
As a huge fan of science fiction and fantasy, I was instantly drawn to Riser by its intriguing premise. The idea of a young girl, Chelsan Derée, who can control the dead in a future where immortality is just a pill away, piqued my curiosity. On top of that, the combination of societal issues like overpopulation and secret exterminations painted a dark yet fascinating world. With themes of family ties (especially the twist of Chelsan’s grandfather being one of the most powerful men behind the exterminations), I felt compelled to dive into this gripping tale.
The world-building in Riser is truly commendable. The futuristic setting is vividly crafted, transporting readers to a society where hover-shuttles dominate the sky and environmental sustainability is a law with interesting consequences. As Louise Keating noted in her review, the "clean-up" method of overpopulation is both imaginative and reflective of our own environmental challenges. I appreciated how the author, Ms. Smith, infused realism into the science fiction elements, such as Age Pro, the anti-aging pill that dramatically reshapes societal dynamics. Each detail contributes to a rich and engaging backdrop against which Chelsan’s story unfolds.
Chelsan’s character is relatable, and her teenage voice rings authentically throughout the narrative. Her struggle with normal teenage angst, compounded by the horror of losing her mother to a sanctioned extermination, adds emotional depth that kept me invested in her journey. Many readers echoed this sentiment, praising the character development. However, some did mention that there were clichés in character archetypes, particularly among the supporting cast, feeling a tad predictable at times.
Yet, while Chelsan’s character pulls the reader in, I did find the pacing to be a mixed bag. Some parts of the story move along at a lightning-fast rate, making it hard to soak in the emotional weight of Chelsan’s losses and challenges. S.L. Moore’s review pointed out that certain story beats would have benefited from a more extended exploration, and I found myself wishing for more depth at critical moments that could have heightened the impact of Chelsan’s experiences.
Despite its pacing issues, Riser delivers on its promise of suspense and thrilling action. The narrative is fast-paced, ensuring that there was never a dull moment. I found myself eagerly flipping pages to uncover the secrets behind Chelsan’s powers and the true motives of the villains. As Debby mentioned, the twists were engaging and kept me guessing until the end.
One of the standout elements of Riser is its unique blend of genres. It seamlessly weaves together elements of sci-fi, horror, and even a touch of romance, making it appealing to a broad audience. This genre-bending quality captivated me, and I could see why Kathryn Kline found it a compelling read, recalling moments of laughter, gasps, and even a bit of romance amidst the chaos.
However, I did feel that the dialogue sometimes fell flat, with some interactions feeling forced or lacking authenticity. This aspect detracted from Chelsan’s journey in moments where I wanted to immerse myself fully without distraction.
In conclusion, Riser is a captivating read that skillfully combines a unique premise with emotional depth and action-packed sequences. While it has its flaws—particularly in pacing and some predictable character tropes—it ultimately offers a compelling story worth exploring. If you enjoy young adult science fiction with a flair for the dramatic and a touch of humor, this might be a perfect fit for you. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I’m looking forward to diving back into Chelsan’s world with the next installment in The Riser Saga. Highly recommend!