Overall Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐
Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Synopsis:
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the famous Riva siblings, each carrying secrets they have kept hidden from one another and the world around them. Over the course of one unforgettable night, those secrets begin to surface, changing their lives forever.
Review:
Taylor Jenkins Reid has an extraordinary ability to transport readers directly into her settings. While reading Malibu Rising, it was difficult to imagine I was anywhere other than the beaches of Malibu, watching surfers ride the waves or sitting in a shoreline diner. In many ways, the turbulent lives of the Riva siblings are reflected in the crashing waves of the Pacific. At times, Malibu itself feels like a character woven into the story.
The characters feel authentic rather than exaggerated. Ironically, Mick, their father and arguably the most unlikeable character in the novel, also feels the most realistic. His story is one that has been encountered far too often in life, making him one of the most memorable characters in the book. Unfortunately, I didn’t find myself thinking about the other characters nearly as much after I finished the novel.
The dual timeline allows the story to unfold naturally, helping readers understand how the siblings became the adults they are and their sibling dynamic. Their shared experiences offer insight into the choices they have made throughout their lives while inviting readers to consider what family truly means.
Overall, Malibu Rising is a story about the endurance of family through turmoil and the resilience of the Malibu community that continues to rebuild after hardship.
I hope you enjoyed this review! Stay tuned for my next one! – Jules Grant, Associate Editor & Literary CriticOverall