Monday Reviews - New World: Rising

Hello everyone!

I am back with another Monday Reviews! This week, I am reviewing New World: Rising by Jennifer Wilson. I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy of the book from the author, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

As always, let's start with the synopsis!

Since witnessing her parents' murders at the age of eleven, Phoenix's only purpose in life has been to uphold her mother's dying words- to be strong and survive. But surviving outside of The Walls- outside of The Sanctuary- is more like a drawn-out death sentence. A cruel and ruthless city, Tartarus is run by the Tribes whose motto is simple, "Join or die." Refusing to join and determined to live, Phoenix fights to survive in this savage world. Trusting no one, she lives as a rogue, fending only for herself. Then in a moment of rash judgment, she breaks all of her rules to save a child, and in that moment her life is turned upside down. When the rescue mission goes awry, Phoenix is captured by an underground group who claims no allegiance with either the Tribes nor The Sanctuary. She finds herself in the most dangerous game of survival she has ever played. In her captivity, only one person- the handsome and oddly sympathetic Triven- shows Phoenix something she has never before experienced: kindness. While warring with unfamiliar emotions and still skeptical of her captors' motives, Phoenix quickly realizes that these people may just hold the key to her lost memories. But who can she trust, when no one can be trusted? Not even herself.

This is a short book, but it didn't feel short when I was reading it! And not in a bad way, like it dragged on, in a way where each page was so well written, I thought I was reading 5 pages of your average author.

The concept of this novel is very interesting and unique, it reminded me a little bit of The Walled City, if that was a dystopian world instead of modern day. Phoenix is constantly hiding from the different tribes, whose personalities range from intelligent, clever assassins to caveman-like killers.

I really liked how independent and fierce Phoenix was. I know that there are a lot of kick-butt heroines out there, but Phoenix felt so sure of herself, and didn't let her guard down at the first sight of a boy. She does have her moments though, she is not a cold character, just not overtly warm and fuzzy. I really enjoyed her relationship with Triven, it wasn't insta-love, I thought it was paced beautifully!

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I would just say to prepare yourself, I had no idea what to expect.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and this author if you are looking for something a little different! I can't wait for the next instalment to this trilogy!