The Originals: The Rise by Julie Plec
Series: The Originals #1
Published by HQN
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 352
Read in: 1/21/2015
Add to: Goodreads

Release date: Tuesday, January 27

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?

I have mad love for The Originals and this book could not have come my way at a better time. With most shows taking those Winter hiatuses I dread so much I was bummed that I was going to miss my weekly fix of Elijah, Klaus, and Rebekah. To put things mildly the Mikaelson’s are quite the dysfunctional family. I obviously do not want to get spoilery for the people who have not watched the show so just take my word for it. In the end though these three will come through for each other. Through everything they are still family and I think that shows here.

Having the opportunity to read The Rise made it feel like there was no hiatus. It doesn’t move the story forward. Instead you get to go farther into the past and experience the earlier obstacles and journey of the Original Vampires. It stayed true to the characters which was no surprise since Julie Plec is the creator of the show. It had some romance, suspense,  drama, and blood shed. As always, each characters personality was very distinct and I fell in love with each of them even more.

The first time I met Klaus’s character in the Vampire Diaries I was expecting to hate him. He wasn’t supposed to be the person you are rooting for but Klaus is just Klaus and even with his tendencies to want to kill everyone you cannot help but like him. He is so charismatic and although his character was not as hard as the present Klaus at time you get to see more of the Klaus that you can fall for. He is caring to those that are close to him. Although arrogant  he is charming. Watching his and Vivianne’s relationship unfold was worrisome. How would it all turn out?

Then there was Rebekah. I have loved her big heart for some time now. I want only happiness for her and The Rise made me want to see her get all she wants even more. She loves her family but like anyone in life she wants more from life. She wants to be her own person and she wants love. She will do all she can to protect her family but she gets herself into a stick situation trying. She isn’t sure what to think of Eric. Is he harmless or will he ruin everything for her family? It was so hard to know but the mystery of it keeps you going.

Saving the best for last! Elijah has got to be my favorite Original. He is just so amazing and he did not disappoint in this one. I felt things were pretty evenly split amongst the three siblings but i still wish I could have had more of him. No romance for him 🙁 He is always so selfless. He puts the needs of his family first. While the other two are doing who knows what he is determined to make them a home. A home safe from all those who would try to harm them. Although he tried to keep the peace he can throw down as well. I think he balances the trio out. Calm and collected I would still like to see more of how he keeps composed. I want to get to dig deeper into who Elijah is.

Overall, I was very happen with how The Originals: The Rise turned out. It was expected, yet unexpected all at the same time. Julie Plec created an amazing show and found a way to give the fans even more with the start of this series. If you haven’t jumped into the show no worries. Plec created a story that allows you to meet the Mikaelson’s for the first time. You can definitely start your journey with the Mikaelson’s here. Bravo Julie Plec! I love you and cannot wait to see what comes next.

 Pre-order link: http://alloyentertainment.com/news/special-pre-order-bundle-for-the-originals/

• An exclusive Originals cast poster to all who pre-order and complete the form using the above link!

 

Julie Plec is the co-creator & executive producer of The Vampire Diaries & the creator of The Vampire Diaries spin-off, The Originals. Plec got her start as a writer and producer on the ABC Family series Kyle XY. She also collaborated on the CW drama The Tomorrow People. Her screenplay adaptation The Tiger’s Curse is in development at Paramount, and she will produce the feature @emma with Darko Entertainment. Past feature production credits include Scream 2 and Scream 3.

15 prize packs including: A copy of The Originals: The Rise and a copy of The Originals season 1 on DVD.

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