Bitten by Books
When Elijah made his first appearance on The Vampire Diaries in Season Two, viewers immediately became enthralled with the concept of the Original vampires-enough so that the often vicious but always intriguing family got their own show. The Originals: The Rise, first in a trilogy, provides a background for the trio’s early years in New Orleans.
The story begins in 1722, nine years after the arrival of Elijah, Klaus, and Rebekah Mikaelson, on the run from their father who seeks to destroy them-despite the fact he was behind their creation. An uneasy truce between the city’s witches and werewolves revolves around the upcoming marriage between Armand of the local pack, and Vivianne, a young witch/werewolf hybrid. Elijah, ever the peacemaker, seeks to find a way for he and his siblings to achieve some semblance of acceptance, not just having their presence tolerated. To this end, the three Mikaelsons crash the engagement party in order to offer their congratulations.
As is often the case, Elijah’s plans gets derailed by Klaus, who becomes instantly fascinated by the vibrant Vivianne, not knowing her identity. After a brief altercation with some werewolves when they get spotted, the three vampires discuss what the witch/werewolf alliance will mean for them. To that end, they determine a course of action. Rebekah will seduce an army captain so they have soldiers on their side, and Elijah will find them a permanent place to live. Klaus, unfortunately, has his own ideas about how he will occupy himself in the meantime.
The Originals: The Rise will appeal to fans of the television show in its exploration of a part of the family history not previously seen, and also serves as an introduction to the show for those who may never have seen it. Chapters alternating between the perspectives of the three Originals keeps each of the characters in play throughout the narrative, and sometimes the reader may picture them in their television personas during dialogue. Each of the siblings remains true to what viewers have come to expect from them: Rebekah longing for love and a settled, more normal life, Elijah seeking to protect his family above all else, and Klaus determined to live the way he desires despite anyone else, yet also craving love.
This fast-paced, smoothly-plotted tale will entertain both urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans. This reviewer looks forward to book two, The Loss.
Book Stats:
- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: HQN Books (January 27, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0373788894
- ISBN-13: 978-0373788897
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Books in the Originals trilogy in the order they should be read:
The Rise
The Loss
The Resurrection
Review Overview
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Summary : The Originals: The Rise will appeal to fans of the television show in its exploration of a part of the family history not previously seen, and also serves as an introduction to the show for those who may never have seen it. Chapters alternating between the perspectives of the three Originals keeps each of the characters in play throughout the narrative, and sometimes the reader may picture them in their television personas during dialogue.
