Hi everyone! Today I’m going to be reviewing Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Rating: ✯✯✯✯
Malibu Rising is set in August, 1983, with a summery beach setting of Malibu. It follows the protagonist, Nina Riva, on the day of her annual end of summer party, as well as the rest of the world-famous Riva family. Everyone wants to be around the Rivas – supermodel Nina, surfer Jay, photographer Hud and their little sister Kit are a source of fascination, especially as the children of singer Mick Riva. But by midnight, the party is completely out of control – and by morning, the Riva mansion has went up in flames. But what secrets will come out before that?
I went into Malibu Rising with really high hopes (largely due to all the hype surrounding it) so I’m really pleased that it met most of these. Sure, it wasn’t completely what I expected (for some reason I thought there would be more mystery) but this wasn’t an issue and I ended up really enjoying it. I know I’ll definitely be picking more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books now!
Honestly, my favourite part of Malibu Rising was actually the dual timeline in the first half. The first half of the book alternated between the four children in the present and the Riva family’s past. As well as finding out more about how their parents met and fell in love, I also enjoyed getting glimpses of the four as younger children. It was devastating reading their parents’ marriage breakdown and all that they had to endure – I was really keen to find out what happened next. Each of them were so strong, although, as the oldest child, Nina definitely stood out as the strongest, taking on the burden of caring for her siblings.
I also really appreciated how big a theme family was in Malibu Rising. There was a really big emphasis on the importance of it and looking out for each other, which was a really lovely message. I also really liked how despite making some mistakes they all really cared about each other and would do anything for each other – I loved how tightly knit the siblings were, especially after everything that they’d been through.
Of course, I also really loved the individual characters! There were so many wonderful characters in Malibu Rising – there was a massive cast of them – and I found finding out more about each of them really interesting. With that being said, I do think that, at least for me, I found there were actually too many different characters at the party to properly keep track of, and that it meant that it was a lot more difficult to connect with the side characters.
Obviously all four of the Riva siblings were up there with my favourite characters! They all had such distinct personalities and I ended up loving all of them. It would be impossible to choose a favourite from them – I loved how strong and caring Nina was but I also loved Hud’s softer personality and sensitivity, and I also liked how spirited Kit was. I think it was a true testament to the writing that I loved that all so much!
Of course, with all of those amazing characters came some even better character development! I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a focus it was and really enjoyed reading all of the characters grow. The best example would have to be Nina learning to put herself first, but I also really enjoyed Kit’s journey of self-discovery throughout the party. I think the character development definitely made for some really strong lessons and messages!
The setting was another thing I really enjoyed. I’ve never visited Malibu before, but after reading Malibu Rising I would definitely love to see if it’s an option in the future! I found it really fun reading about the beach setting, with lots of surfing scenes, as well as the general feel I got for the place. Reid did a really good job of transporting me to Malibu!
Overall, I’d recommend Malibu Rising for anyone looking for a fun new summer read, as this was perfect to relax with this summer! I’d also recommend it to any fan of historical fiction, or even someone beginning to explore the genre, as this is a genre I don’t pick up a lot but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Have you read Malibu Rising yet? Will you be adding it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this review!
Ceri
Read And Review It 
I’d absolutely love to visit Malibu, it looks and sounds so beautiful doesn’t it? This sounds like such a great summer read, something to relax and have fun with. Thank you so much for sharing with us lovely, your reviews are always so amazing! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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It definitely does, I’d really love to visit! Thank you so much for reading and commenting and for always supporting my blog xx
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I also don’t like it when there’s too many characters mentioned that it becomes hard to keep up with the ones I’m actually supposed to be keeping up either.. haha! I love this review 🙂
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Yes it can get so confusing – I’m so glad you agree! I’m so happy you enjoyed my review, thank you so much for reading and commenting 😊
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I haven’t heard of this book before, but I was already taken in by the cover. Thank you for sharing a well written review and your experience.
Lauren
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I’m so glad I could introduce you to it then! The cover truly is amazing. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I really enjoyed this book and everything else TJR writes! Great review Ceri.
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I’m so glad to hear that Jodie, I can’t wait to read more of her books! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I’ve heard this is a great book. I will have to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing!
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It definitely is – I really hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Great review, glad you enjoyed it. The two TJR books I’ve read have both surprised because they’re much deeper than they appear.
Also want to visit Malibu too
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Thank you! I definitely need to pick up more TJR books but I agree there was more depth to this than I expected. I hope you get the chance to visit Malibu, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I’ve heard a lot about Malibu Rising, so it’s great to hear it lived up to the hype for the most part! I agree it can be a problem if there are too many side characters to keep track of, but it’s wonderful that you liked the Riva siblings and their character development.
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It truly is, I’m always wary going into hyped up books but this paid off! There were definitely loads of lovely aspects in this too, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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This is on my list and haven’t gotten to it yet. I love fun, easy romantic reads, and there are so many on my TBR right now. Thanks for the reminder to read it 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it when you get to it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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Her previous book, 7 Husbands, is still on my TBR list so I guess I should read that one first! Malibu Rising sounds fab though – like you, I’m a fan of dual timelines and alternative perspectives. Great review, Ceri, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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I actually still need to read 7 Husbands, haha! I loved Malibu Rising though – it’s a great example of dual timelines. Thank you so much for reading and commenting Lisa 🙂
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We’ve seen this book a lot lately! We’re glad you enjoyed it overall.
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I know it’s been spoken a lot recently but it’s definitely worth the hype! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I haven’t read this book but the review is brilliant and has definitely peaked my interest. I have added it to my to read list.
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I’m so glad to hear that, I really hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I’ve heard such wonderful things about this book and I’m glad you enjoyed it too. I’ve never been to Malibu either but I can image how it’s beautifully described in this book. I love light hearted summer reads so I’ll have to squeeze this one in before summer ends. Thank you for sharing!
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It’s truly such a great read – definitely worth the hype! I really loved the descriptions of Malibu, it made me want to visit so bad haha. I hope you enjoy it if you can fit it in, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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I just love the setting of this book. It sounds like something out of my reality TV programmes! Adding to the list.
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So do I, it’s perfect! I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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This looks like a very good read!! Have been hearing about this book was very interesting to read your thoughts on it! I will have to check it out thanks for reviewing 🙂
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It definitely is! I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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The Malibu setting and dual timelines has us intrigued!
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I’d definitely recommend picking it up! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Ahhhh yess, the dual timeline part in Malibu rising was so cool!! I loved seeing the past of the family as well- it really provided so much insight to the family!! AND THE FAMILIAL TIES WERE BRILLIANT AHH!! adored your review!! ❤
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it too – I loved the different storylines! Yesss the familial ties were the best I’ve read in a long time. Thank you so much for reading and commenting ❤
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I also had my first read of Taylor Jenkins Reid book and instantly became a fan!! 😍 will surely add this to the list 💌
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I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed her books too! Hope you enjoy this one just as much ♥️
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