HOW WE RISE BY BROOKE RILEY // blog tour + review

Welcome to the blog tour for How We Rise by Brooke Riley! This dystopian debut - and the first book in a series eep - released on May 19, so it's available to purchase RIGHT NOW. I've come to wrap up the tour with my own review, so definitely check out all the previous tour stops linked below.

Monday, May 18th- Ocean McAllister, Author interview @ https://oceanemcallister.com/ 

Tuesday, May 19th- Me, Book release day+ aesthetics @ https://wordsinhersoul.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 20th- Lia, Book review @ http://lilahsmusicals.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 21st- M.K, Author Interview @ http://sarcasticscribblings.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 22nd- R.F. Gammon, Review/book shoutout @ https://thefloridsword.blogspot.com/

Saturday, May 23rd- Elizabeth Dragina, Guest post @ https://elizabethdragina.wordpress.com/

Sunday, May 24th- Nicole Dust, book shoutout @ http://legendofawriter.blogspot.com/

Monday, May 25th- Merie Shen, book shoutout @ https://imperialscribis.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, May 26th- Bree Dawn, author interview @ https://thelongvoyage.org/

Wednesday, May 27th- Lisa, book review @ https://thisinkwell.blogspot.com/p/home.html

Wednesday, May 27th- Sarah Rodecker, guest post @ http://sarahrodeckerwriter.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 28th- Clare, book review @ http://moviesmeetmatch.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 29th- R.F. Gammon, author interview @ https://thefloridsword.blogspot.com/ 

Saturday, May 30th- Allison Riera, book review @ http://allisonriera.blogspot.com/

Sunday, May 31st- Lila Kims, book review @ http://lilakimswriter.blogspot.com/

HOW WE RISE BLURB:

When the truth gets you killed… will you still Rise?

Raegan MacArthur is content with her simple life. But lately, her life hasn’t been all that simple. She can’t drown out the screams in the night coming from the military base up the road. And she can’t ignore the truth behind them.

Peter Daniels thought moving back to Texas with his mom for senior year was a good thing. A chance to reconnect with old friends and finally feel at home again. But his life now can never be the same as it was six years ago.

Signs of government overreach are everywhere, and an unknown- yet familiar- enemy lurks in the shadows, watching their every move. The government is clamping down tighter and tighter on anyone who resists their ways. Raegan and Peter have to make the hardest decision they've ever faced: will they go quietly to save their lives… or will they rise?

MY REVIEW:

How We Rise is probably the most unique dystopian I've ever read. There are a lot of brilliant dystopian concepts out there, but many of them are super bizarre and it's hard to imagine our society actually reaching that point. This book is different. Its society is scary, just like all the others, but it's a realistic kind of scary - and that, in a sense, makes it even more frightening than the others.

A common remark in reviews I've already read for this book is that it has contemporary vibes. You don't usually pick up contemporary vibes when you read a dystopian, but again, How We Rise breaks out of its genre's typical mold. Those vibes come from this book being set only a handful of years from now, which is a little strange to think about because it obviously isn't an accurate prediction (unless the coming years are gonna be as crazily unexpected and nation-transforming as this year has been), but I find it adds to the story's refreshing uniqueness.

The writing style is SOLID. Very simplistic, but it provides all the details necessary to vividly paint every scene and character in your mind's eye. The characters are the highlight of this book, which is always what I like to hear about a story. After all, the characters are the driving force - the heart - of fiction, and Brooke Riley's characters...

Well, let's talk about them.

Raegan - This girrrrrl. She is so strong and inspiring. She's not dramatic, she's complex (as opposed to the exaggerated inflation of one primary trait that I see probably way too often in female protagonists), and she's an awesome blend of passionate and chill.

Peter - MY HUSBAND. Seriously, though, you can't have him. He's mine. I could gush about him incoherently for hours, but lemme just mention one of the top aspects of his character that made me fall SO deeply in love with him: his loyalty. He's the truest friend you could ever ask for. Also his depth! Peter is one of those rare, openly deep dudes. If for nothing else, read this book for him. <3

Nicole - She's all right, but she's very much a side character. Hopefully we get a POV for her in book 2. XD I did feel like she WAY overreacted to one situation in particular (which I won't name for fear of spoilers), but her light, bubbly personality provided a much-needed contrast to some of the other characters.

Spencer - I relate to this dude. He hides in the corner away from other people, on his computer, listening to music. SAME BRO. I also appreciate him calling out/shipping Raeter. The more people acknowledging #Raeter's existence, the better. PROGRESS. And Spencer is just really smart and an all-around cool guy.

Evan - Here come conflicting emotions. Evan's complexity is MIND-BLOWING, and it freaks me out (in the best way XD) because I hate him and like him at the same time. I couldn't be further from supportive of most, if not all, of the choices he makes in this book, but almost every single one of those choices still makes sense and garners sympathy toward him. It's pretty wow. O_O

Jackson - This is another character I kind of have a love/hate relationship with. Brooke Riley certainly knows how to develop morally gray characters in such a way that you have to like them in spite of it all. (It's a really important skill to have as a writer, and Brooke has it down!) Jackson's sense of humor is equal parts endearing and frustrating, and the layers of his soul peel back in unpredictable ways throughout the story.

President Morgan - THE VILLAIN MERP. Not the most memorable antagonist I've ever encountered, but then again he isn't on the scene much in this installment. More like lurking in the background. His corruption and manipulation are terrifying, though, and he throws some serious curveballs that make for some seriously heart-wrenching plot twists. In short, he doesn't disappoint.

Speaking of the plot, it moves a bit slower than you might expect, but I wasn't bored at any point in the story. This is one of those super readable books in which every sentence is important and flows so smoothly into the next that you cannot stop reading - nor do you want to. XD The small-town setting is perfect because it's got all the regular small-town vibes, but they're mixed with some unusual creepy vibes (the distant screams at night and all *shudders*).

My complaints are few. I feel like a copycat of other reviewers when I mention this, but there is a LOT of motivational talk, almost to the point of unrealistic. Peter does a lot of it, though, and I adore every word that comes out of his mouth. So. XD Some of the dialogue in general is a little bit clunky, but that didn't take away from my immersion in the story very much.

Another thing to love is that there are basically zero filler aspects. Everything and everyone plays an important role in the plot. Believe me, this book is 100% worth your time. It will add years to your life. It will break your heart into a million pieces. It will inspire you to fight for what is right. It will have you screaming for book 2. It's clear that Brooke poured her whole heart and soul into this novel, and the result is a masterpiece. 4.5/5 stars!

~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brooke Riley has been seriously writing novels since she was fifteen, the thrill of creating new worlds and broken humans with a greater purpose is something that inspired her to begin writing in the first place. Before then, she hated writing but loved books and literature. She's always been drawn to new worlds and fascinating books. Not limiting herself to one genre, you will find she writes in dystopian one day, contemporary another day, and even historical the day after that.

When she's not writing, Brooke is probably thinking of some random idea for a new novel that's come to her in the most inconvenient of times, and how soon she can make a Pinterest board and Spotify playlist for it.  

~~~

And that's a wrap! I hope you'll read How We Rise and find it as fantastic as I did.

I've been busy adjusting to a new job and trying to finish up school, so blogging has fallen to the wayside. I've been able to read and comment around the blogisphere some, but progress on my own posts - aka my short stories inspired by songs - is really slow. I'm sorry to keep you all waiting, but hopefully that'll be up soon, along with the Dusted Red beta reader call. Because I plan to finish up those edits in the next week, if not this weekend!

Words can't express how much each and every one of you means to me. Thank you for those who read (when I can actually get stuff up lol), for those who comment, for your support and your friendship. You're all amazing.

The Lord's Truly,

SECOND BLOG BIRTHDAY // answering your questions in my first q&a!

This is much later than I intended it to be, but HERE IT IS AT LAST. My answers to the questions you submitted for my very first Q&A!!! (Technically it's a celebration for this blog's second birthday, which was in January... but better late than never, right? XD) I had so much fun answering your epic inquiries - thank you for providing them! - and I hope you have just as much fun reading them.

~~~

from Nicole Dust:

Favorite kind of chocolate?

Dark! But I love milk chocolate almost as much, so I'm not too picky. XD

Favorite character in Rise of the Guardians?

JACK.

JACK FROST ALL THE WAY. Animated or not, he's one of my top fictional crushes.

via Giphy

If you haven't seen Rise of the Guardians, what have you been doing with your life?? It's my favorite movie EVER and (I like to think) for good reason.

What’s a book that was very overhyped, in your opinion?

Both Legendary and Finale by Stephanie Garber. ESPECIALLY Finale. I loved the first book, but the rest of the trilogy was suuuuch a disappointment.

What’s your current favorite song?

It's gotta be one of the new GAWVI songs. My favorite varies from day to day, seeing as his new album is all I've been listening to. XD Right now I'm loving So Alive the most.


from Florid Sword (aka Faith):

Who are some fictional characters who helped inspire Delmy, Hansel, and Gretel?

I don't really pay attention to this kind of thing, but maybe Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles for Hansel, Imogen from The Ascendance Trilogy for Gretel, and Cammie from Gallagher Girls for Delmy?

Do you watch pro soccer and if so, who's your favorite team?

I enjoy watching pro soccer once in a blue moon, so no, not really. Too rare an occurrence. I wouldn't say I have a favorite team either, but Messi is awesome. XD

Any tips for using an outline?

If you're not careful, an outline will hinder your story from going the direction it really wants to. If you're following a template, don't feel like you have to follow it to the T. Maybe combine different templates or come up with your own format entirely. Set it up however neatly or messily you want. Make it yours. 

Use outlines to inspire you, not restrict you.

Tell us your opinion about Dante ;)

Hoo boy. Well...

meme created by Faith

Dante is amazing.

Dante is wonderful.

Dante is beautiful.

Dante must be protected at all costs from his cruel author, Nicki Chapelway.

That is all.

from MovieCritic:

What was your first fandom?

Excluding cartoon TV shows I was into as a smol bean, I'd say my first book fandom was The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson. It probably sparked my first deeply emotional attachment to fictional characters.

What was the first chapter book that you remember reading?

One of the Digby and Kate books by Barbara Baker, perhaps? Or maybe Mr. Putter and Tabby by Cynthia Rylant? CUE THE NOSTALGIA.

The last movie that you saw in the theater?

Toy Story 4! I actually like that movie a lot, although the first and third movies are definitely better and I think we're most if not all agreed that Toy Story 3 had a better ending for the franchise.

Forky is amazing, though. XD

via Giphy

Besides It's A Wonderful Life (which is one of the best movies ever!!! <3), have you seen any other James Stewart movies? ;)

*gasp* I have not!! This is unacceptable, because I LOVE James Stewart in It's A Wonderful Life. Please drop in the comments below any recs you have of other movies he's in. This must be remedied.

from Bree Dawn:

What classic book is overrated?

*deep breath* I despise the following book so much that it hurts me to say the title and I yell at my friends whenever they mention it in my presence. So just keep in mind that my experience with this book is still, one year later, a fresh wound.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Disclaimer: I am aware that many consider this a beloved classic, a work of literary genius, etc. You are free to love it, just don't expect me to ever understand why.

Do you watch baking shows??? If you don’t...WHY NOT?

I watch precisely one baking show, and that is The Great British Baking Show on PBS. It's absolutely fantastic - also stressful to watch because it's a "timed contest" kind of show. Gets your mouth watering AND your heart pounding.

Do you have a favorite color? If you don’t, that’s totally okay and don’t let anyone convince you it’s not. 💖

Awww I love that. <3 My favorite colors are teal and dark purple.

Do you remember the first book that made you fall in love with reading?

Hmmm. The aforementioned Viking Quest is a big one, but I'm not really sure.

Current favorite tv show?

Merlin and Psych. If by "current" you mean "currently in the middle of watching," then Psych for sure.

via We Heart It

Do you like any weird food combinations?

Is it weird to put butter in a ham and cheese sandwich? Because that doesn't seem to be a common practice, but it's soooo good.

What’s your comfort book?

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. Nothing gives me warm fuzzies and a feeling of true bookworm content like Anne. Come to think of it, I'm loooong overdue for a reread.

from Merie Shen:

Favorite underrated Disney hero, heroine, and villain?

Hero: Nigel from Finding Nemo (the pelican) (you can't tell me he doesn't qualify)

Heroine: Sadness from Inside Out

Villain: Cruella De Vil from the LIVE-ACTION 101 Dalmations 

What's your favorite fairytale?

Probably Hansel & Gretel!

Do you like Oreos?

Certainly. :D They're not my favorite cookies, per se, but I do love them.

What's the weirdest food you've ever eaten?

Tacos made with cinnamon instead of chili powder. Not intentional. XD

If you could visit anywhere out of your home country, where would you go?

England. I REALLY want to visit England.

What's your favorite food?

Pastaaaaa. Even better if the pasta has cheese.

via Pinterest

Do you support the Oxford comma?

YES, YES, AND YES.

from Emily Grant:

What was the last five-star book you read?

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.

What was the worst movie you've ever seen?

I'm not sure, but possibly The Santa Clause 3.

Out of all your own characters, which one do you think would be your best friend in real life and why?

Hansel. *sobs* Pleeeease, I need my darling Hansel to exist in real life. He would readily accept me for who I am, ALWAYS be down for a deep conversation (critical for my survival XD), and just be the most gentle, most attentive, most encouraging friend you could ask for.

One of your favorite Bible verses?

"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns."

Psalm 46:5

from Lia:

If you could choose, would you like to be born on Leap Day?

Not particularly, no. XD I'd rather have my birthday every single year.

What is the first thing you notice about a person?

Whether they're outgoing/socially confident or quiet/socially awkward.

Which character from any fairytale would you want to switch lives with?

Snow-White from Snow White & Rose Red. This fairy tale is pretty chill, which appeals to me because I tend to crumple under stress. And I'd get to marry a prince at the end sooooo... XD

Are you happy with the person that you are right now?

Short answer? No.

I should be, though. I should be fully embracing my identity in Christ, but to be honest my prayer life has been suffering lately. I'm striving to make it a primary focus again, and God is already helping me so much.

What is your seventh favorite color?

I LOVE this question. XD After some contemplation of the rainbow spectrum, I'd say orange.

from Sarah Rodecker:

What's a class you thought you would hate, but ended up sort of enjoying?

Electronics. XD It's a branch of my physics course that I wasn't thrilled about at first, but it's turned out to be less frustrating than I thought it would be.

An "irrational" fear of yours?

Annoying my friends. Being a burden, a nuisance. Maybe it's an INFP thing? *shrug* Definitely an anxiety thing.

What's the next book on your TBR?

How We Rise by Brooke Riley!

from Ash Ronnel:

How do you manage stress?

PRAYER. I use external forms of escapism like YouTube, books, and even school (unless school is what I'm stressing about) to distract myself from the stress, but it doesn't actually take it away. Prayer and time in the Bible takes it away. It's amazing how effectively even just ten seconds of prayer can wash away the panic and replace it with peace.

What is the most beautiful place you have ever traveled to?

Honduras. It's a gorgeous island, and the Caribbean is a beautiful sea. <3

What's your favorite or most used emoji?

I feel like this is a pretty generic answer, but probably the cry-laughing emoji: 😂

from Mary Kate:

What is your favorite vegetable?

CUCUMBER. I know that's technically a fruit, but it's my final answer. XD

What is the last movie you saw in theaters?

Toy Story 4!

If you could learn one skill (ballroom dancing, knitting, open heart surgery...) overnight, what would you pick?

Freestyle dancing. Watching everybody dance their hearts out at weddings is entertaining, but I always wish I could comfortably get out there myself. Without, ya know, tripping and falling on my face - or being too shy.

from Skye Hoffert:

Your favorite character that you wrote?

Hansel from Dusted Red. That boy's softness and complexity grip my heart like no other. <3

Elves or Fae?

Fae! Elves are cool, but fae - especially the lighter, brighter, good-guy depictions of them - are the best kind of magical. 

Favorite fairytale?

Another of my favorites, besides Hansel & Gretel, is The Twelve Dancing Princesses. The magical elements in this one are breathtaking and make for some truly epic retelling opportunities. It was actually an amazing retelling (Entwined by Heather Dixon) that made me fall in love with the original tale in the first place.

~~~

You made it to the end! Congratulations! XD And congrats to my little blog for surviving two years and putting up with my constant negligence.

To my lovely readers: Thank you for sticking around and taking the time to read my words. I love all of you. <3 If there's a type of post you'd like me to use or use more of, let me know! I want to be posting stuff that YOU want to see.

And one last note: Remember that "short stories based off a music album" election I hosted a while back? Well, my next post should be the first story for that!! I'll hold off on telling you which album won (because, as a writer, I thrive off creating suspense XD), but just know that I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

Until then, tally ho. ;)

The Lord's Truly,

What's a weird food combination you like? Do you watch The Great British Baking Show? What's your favorite vegetable?? Spill some thoughts in the comments below!