The Originals #1 The Rise

Presenting The Originals #1 The Rise by Julie Plec.

Here is the summary of the book:

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?

The success of 'The Vampire Diaries' brought along the conception of its spin-off 'The Originals'. We all wanted to know more about the Mikealsons, the original vampires and the spin-off delivered, as we see the original family try to find stability in New Orleans .... And then came this novel series courtesy of Julie Plec. Where the show oscillates between the present and the past. This new trilogy focuses much more on the history. Of how they came to this corner of the world. Of how they were then. Of what leads them to be the characters they are in the show.

Klaus, Rebecca & Elijah. With Kol and Finn daggered & in coffins run to New Orleans to hide from their father and desirous of a home. But the witches and werewolves will not see it happen. Of course Klaus being the maverick and devil-may-care hybrid he is catches the eye of Viviane  .... And he is smitten .... of course it is a bit disconcerting ti see Klaus so hopeful and so in love.

Rebecca for her part falls for a French Captain, in her bid to gather an army for her siblings to make their place in New Orleans but she finds much more than what she would have hoped. There are secrets in every nook and crevice and if you are not careful, they may just come out to bite when you least expect it. Big Brother Elijah on the other hand tries the realistic approach, the aquisition of land, to establish the family. Of course even that approach has its pit falls but as luck would have it ...... rewarding in their case.

In a way they are the same originals we saw in the show but Plec has spun a great grass-root beginning for them. Of love, honor and promises. Of ardent desires and strategies, of refreshing naivette and promises for the coming future. Of bitter enemies, and the blooming war on the horizon with its paranormalia. "The Rise" gives the perfect beginning to the arrival of the family and them finding their roots in the new world.

"A dark and gripping page turner in the lives of our beloved Mikealson vampires"

Genre :      Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Romance, Tv tie-in

Publisher: HQN Books

Release Date: 27th January, 2015

My Copy: publisher and netgalley

Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

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