Rising Storm: An Apocalyptic Survival Thriller (The Last Sanctuary Book 1) Kindle Edition

Keeping you focused and wanting to read more.Following all the characters by name was easy. It kept all the chapters easier to know who you were reading about.

I am finding this interesting and timely as the dystopian future described in this book does not seem so far away with Trump and his hairbrained troop of appointees poised to take power along with the recent CEO killing. A world that is increasingly controlled by rich corporations and individuals is being thrusted down our throats and the rebellion started in Book 1 feels very justifiable. I am very much rooting for the "bad" guys in this one.

This is an impressive book. I’ve become a bit jaded with young adult books over the years, but that was my only reticence about picking up this one. The story sounded interesting enough for me to take the plunge, and I’m glad I did. I even read it in one evening, staying up until 3 in the morning to finish it. Why?It wasn’t one of those fast-paced, heart-racing books that you just can’t put down because you have to know what’s happening next; no, it was better than that, and more skilful than many that follow that formula. I didn’t put it down because I felt for the characters and wanted to know what happened to them. We knew from early in the book that something big was planned, but we didn’t know exactly what. This provided an underling tension that alone kept me reading. What are they planning exactly? I wondered. As the story developed and I realised how the characters (there were quite a few of them) all would have different perspectives on the coming event, my curiosity was further aroused. And once the event occurred, then it was a matter of wondering who would survive and in what manner.The characters are all complex and well-drawn, and their interactions and dialogue very realistic. Not only is the writing professional, so is the editing.Added to that, the author explores the classic theme of inequality, and Gabriel’s commitment to his cause paralleled the kind of fervour that makes it easy for people to radicalise young men from disadvantaged backgrounds.One thing I need to mention, however, is that this is subtitled a dystopian thriller but there is nothing dystopian about it. The events on the ship, apart from it being super high tech could have happened here now. Though this is the first book, so maybe it’s heading into a dystopia.Put all together, this is a 5 star book. And the rest of the series is just as good.

I have read many of Kyla Stones books. This one was hard to get interested in. I think it just went into to many directions. I’m not a quitter so I will go for the next one and see how that goes.

This is an amazing story of a very amazing young woman who must fight terrorists on two fronts who will do anything for money and to further their cause.

Reason for 4 stars… The prologue introduces the main character, Amelia, who is by herself on the ship trying to stay out of sight of the terrorists. Issue: (spoilers) 1) Amelia is never by herself throughout the entire book, and she has no idea what is happening on the upper decks since she was whisked away to the security officer's quarters below by Gabriel. 2) Willow, does end up alone trying to stay clear of the evil people. The author confuses the two characters, and possibly two versions of the prologue and mixed them up. 3) Amelia seems to know what her father has done, however, Amelia doesn't know anything until the very end. 4) Amelia seems to have done something that makes her feel guilty -- two possibilities, but neither are her fault. 5) Amelia seems to have a plan, but has to survive to make it happen. Again, she has no idea what is going on until Micah tells her and Gabriel what has happened. In a nutshell, the prologue has nothing to do with the rest of the story except for the amazing visual that is given about the destruction and carnage of what has taken place on the ship. Prologues should give a background of story or is eventually tied into the storyline. Throughout the book I kept looking for that tie in, and even went back and reread the prologue to see if I had missed it. I did not.Obviously minor, and still a great read!

The characters are perfect and going to each character and leaving the last one you are reading about will drive you crazy. But quickly you get just as much excitement with the new chapter and then it goes to the next. What I’m saying is each and every character will give you a definite thrill and excitement that keeps you hanging on every character and chapter. A real page turner!

The story line is believable with what is happening in the world today. Strong when least expected in this life.