Official Review: Rise of Raulet by Ryan Spires

[Heidi M Simone]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rise of Raulet" by Ryan Spires.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Iacio. Cadem. Acuri. Coire. These are a few of the species and creatures found in Ryan Spires's first Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel, Rise of Raulet. Spires creates a world where magical creatures and different human-like beings co-exist. The novel revolves around the fictional land of Raulet and follows four main characters: Sybell, Andreu, Jasper, and Marget.

Sybell desires to bring her people, the Acuri, back to power. Using her abilities, she is able to control people's actions and thoughts. Those under her control are known as thralls; however, she prefers to refer to them as her “converted children”. Sybell will stop at nothing to accomplish her goal.

A deceased, powerful man named Andreu is risen from the dead by a spirit weaver and takes control of a human body. The spirit weaver holds Andreu's deceased family's spirits captive, preventing them from entering a peaceful afterlife. Andreu must follow the spirit weaver's instructions, lest his family's spirits will never be at peace. Risking his life and well-being to save his loved ones, Andreu's determination does not falter.

Siblings Jasper and Marget are hunters of the Acuri. Following their father's death, money is tight and they have little to their name. In order to continue hunting Acuri, they need to acquire an Iacio. An Iacio is a human that possesses the power to shield him/herself and others nearby from the Acuri. The siblings are given new hope in continuing their life's mission after they are introduced to Eloise, an untrained, yet powerful, Iacio. Unfortunately, the three are not alone; they learn that Eloise is being followed.

There are several aspects of Rise to Raulet that I liked. One aspect that Spires does very well is character development. He has created some very complex characters. For instance, Sybell is a character that you would like to despise because of the way she treats humans. She uses them for her own purpose and, at times, kills them. However, she shows great affection and gentleness towards several of the people she controls, calling them her children and protecting them from harm. Also, Spires shows the love Sybell has for her companion, Marat, by describing the caring looks and gentle words she uses towards him.

I also liked the author's originality in his work. Many fantasy books are based on the same old types of characters (vampires, witches, etc.). However, Spires has created something that I haven't read before. He has developed a world with unique characters and an unparalleled plot. With diverse creatures like the Iacio, Acuri, and spirit weavers, the reader can fully immerse him/herself in the story's action-packed plot.

The underlying theme of Rise of Raulet is fighting for what you believe in. All four characters show they have strong convictions towards something in their lives. Sybell believes her people should regain the strength they once had. Andreu believes his loved ones' spirits should be saved. Jasper and Marget believe that power should not be given to those who are undeserving. This theme can easily be taken from Spires's fantasy world and applied to our own lives. How many times do we find ourselves questioning our beliefs or wavering due to unforeseen obstacles? It takes a strong person to find something he/she believes, stick with it, and follow through, no matter what is said or done.

I rate Rise to Raulet 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to adults who enjoy page-turning, action-packed fantasy stories and are looking for a plot that is new and unique. One warning: those who are interested in this book should feel comfortable reading violent scenes, since there are quite a few in Rise to Raulet. Overall, a wonderful read!

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Rise of Raulet
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[gali]

Sounds great, thank you.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you for reading my review, gali!

[comebackmandy]

I'm adding this to my TBR! Thanks for the review.

[Heidi M Simone]

@comebackmandy, nice! I hope you enjoy the book!

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Wow, this book sounds exciting! Sign me up. And no, violence doesn't bother me. Great review, hsimone! Now you have me wishing I was an Acuri.

[Kappy]

Excellent review. Does the author specify the location and time period when the story takes place? Is it on planet earth?

[Heidi M Simone]

@Leon Durham, thank you for your kind words. It's definitely an exciting read!

I'm glad that I've read A Song of Ice and Fire series prior to this because I think this would've surprised me more if I hadn't. Hope you enjoy the read!

-- 18 Sep 2015, 16:04 --

@Kappy, thank you! What a great question! Funny enough I didn't pick up where the story actually takes place. I don't believe the author mentions a specific location.

There are trees, rocks, dirt, towns, oceans, a moon, a sun, day and night, so I pictured the setting as an alternative Earth. They use knives and daggers. They even drink wine! There didn't seem anything too futuristic or anything too ancient. I hope this helps!

Thanks for reading my review!

[Tanaya]

Sounds like a great book. Fantastic review! I especially liked how you connected the themes to our own world. Well done.

[Heidi M Simone]

@Tanaya, thank you for your kind words! It definitely was a great read!

I do like how the theme is very applicable to our own world, it makes the reading more enjoyable.
Thanks for reading my review! If you get the chance to read Rise of Raulet, I hope you enjoy it!

[ananya92]

Nice and well detailed review Sounds like an interesting book.

[zeldas_lullaby]

Great review! Total weirdness. I don't think this book is for me, but I can tell it's a good book!

[Heidi M Simone]

@ananya92, thank you for your positive feedback, I appreciate it I really enjoyed it!

If you get the chance to read it, I hope you enjoy it too!

-- 21 Sep 2015, 11:27 --

@zelda_lullaby, haha! I guess it is a pretty weird concept! I didn't even think about that. I'm just thinking 'hey, this is awesome book!' Stepping back, I can see the concept being a little weird! Not sure what that says about me...

You're right, though. It is a good book!

[HalcyonFlower]

Lovely review! I'll keep this title in mind for the next time I'm in the bookstore since it does sound intriguing.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you, HalcyonFlower! When you get a chance to read it, hope you enjoy!