The Beginning of Everything

The Rising, Book 1

By: Kristen Ashley

Narrated by: Liz Thompson, Dina Pearlman, Stella Bloom, Joniece Abbott Pratt, Esther Wane, Gemma Dawson, Robin Miles, Clara Francesca, Lance Greenfield, Jakobi Diem, Ralph Lister, John Hartley, Rupert Channing, Sarah Coomes

Length: 15 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Once upon a time, in a parallel universe, there existed the continent of Triton....

The land was filled with beauty, but it was also splintered by war.

Out of the chaos grew a conspiracy to reawaken the Beast, a fearsome creature who wrought only tragedy and devastation. The only way to stop him is to fulfill an ancient prophecy: Triton’s four strongest warriors must wed its four most powerful witches, binding all nations together and finally bringing peace to the land.

This is the beginning of the story of their unions: the quiet maiden Silence and the savage King Mars. The cold warrior Cassius and the fiery witch Elena. The steadfast soldier True and the banished beauty Farah. And the pirate King Aramus and his mysterious Queen Ha-Lah.

Their unions will not be easy, but each couple must succeed....

The fate of their world is at stake.

©2019 Kristen Ashley (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Fantastic Start!

So for me when I first started this book I was really confused. There is so much going on and so many characters, that I could not keep up. However, I persevered through it and finally it all started coming together. I understand why this boom has all the couples at one time. I am loving the way this story is being told, and I am aching for the next book. ALL of the narrator's were out of this world. I love love love the start to this book!!

Enchanting

I absolutely loved this story and series starter! I had a little trouble listening at first because I kept wanting to be able to turn back pages and make sure I realized which characters were which but I quickly got swept up by this enchanting story and the narration helped me follow the action.

KA does it again!

I am a big KA fan. The story started out complicated due to all of the characters. But it grabs you with its fascinating storyline. I can’t wait until the next installment.

The Beginning of Everything

The Beginning of Everything was phenomenal! To delve back into the Fantasyland world with new characters and a menacing threat brings so much joy to my heart. It did get some getting used to with figuring out the characters in the beginning but after a short while it all came together, in my head. The introduction of the characters and the flow of the story is beautifully done. As with all of KA's books, the details she brings to her stories are always on point and if you close your eyes, you can picture everything as she describes it. Almost like you're watching a movie.

We get introduced to all the couples but the story puts more focus on Mars and Silence and it doesn't end how you would normally think it would end. (The ending by the way is soooo good and really builds up for what is to come) I love how KA didn't end it with a happily ever after but more of a continuous of what is to come for Mars and Silence and especially the other couples.

Every chapter is a different POV from a different character or enemy. There are some hardcore/brutal sex scenes so if you're not a fan of those then this is your warning. Also, the beginning of the story doesn't start off with rainbows and sunshine and beautiful love making.

Move over Game of Thrones...KA is coming!

This is an epic start to KA’s new series, great character development like always, great story and imagination. I don’t particularly get into man on man sex scenes but I know there’s a larger audience than just myself and stories must appeal to all, other than that I love this book and I’m ready to buy the next one. I feel having the audiobook release first was a good promotion on the story because it really sucks you into the world and the voice actors are fabulous and really tell the story not just reading, the emotions can be felt. It’s great, listen to it!! Hopefully this will someday be a movie or this could potentially be a great HBO series too!!

A captivating tale of lives intertwined!

So I stepped slightly out of my comfort zone for this one, I’M SO GLAD I DID!

This tale of lives joining together of people from far off lands will hook you for the beginning. Their story as it progressed was very complex with the multi character dynamic, I will definitely be hopping on to finish this series. These characters are likable and you feel yourself rooting for each betrothed couple. This ending will leave your jaw dropped open! Wow! A captivating tale of lives intertwined!

Takes a little while to get going but stick with it!

The story takes a long time to get going. Probably about five hours But stick with it you won’t be disappointed!

Beginning

I liked it. I probably would have loved it if it was read differently. The GoDoan priests, although important to the overall series, are introduced with the thick accents and creepy subjects made me give up several times. I hate struggling with the accents . Accents are fine during the dialog. Another thing about the voices....With all the readers involved why have Aramis read Halah dialog. I understand it’s Aramis POV, what’s wrong with allowing Halah speak for herself. I have real complaints to this production, however, I read the series and loved it overall.

It’s seems no one shares my view on this production. It’s silly for me to think everyone should agree with me. Other K.A. series use my favorite readers. Tillie Hooper for one.

An Interesting Start

I only gave this book 4 stars as it was somewhat hard to keep up with the characters and who they are. I am now listening to it for the second time.
There is an awful lot going on in this first book as it focus's on several couples as well as all the people who are with them. Add to this the protagonist and all their sub plots as well.
A very busy book for a series starter. I am hoping that the next book will be easier as I find myself getting lost.

I am not sure that all the different narrators help or hinder the busyness of this book. Still interesting enough not to put it down and a bit of a cross over to the Fantasyland Series with Frey Drakkar and Co.

RIVETING!

this should be a hbo/netflix series. it's amazing! I cannot wait to listen to the next book.