Hooking. Vivid. Beautiful. This book is the type of literature to lull you into the world of fiction, with a strong plot, brilliant characterisation and the all-consuming need to read more. Reed writes expertly, using raw wild imagery that is soft at the seams and manages to catch your attention immediately: hook, line and sinker.

Malibu Rising covers the story of 4 siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit, set in Malibu, California in the 1980s. These siblings are the children of the legendary singer Mick Riva. “Malibu Rising” explores themes of family, love, sacrifice, and resilience. It delves into the complexities of fame and the impact it has on individuals and their relationships. The novel is a character-driven story that offers an immersive and emotional journey into the lives of the Riva siblings as they face their personal struggles and come to terms with their shared history.

My favourite aspect of this book was the paradox of topics. The themes that surround the novel were serious and jarring yet written in a manner that did not overwhelm the reader. Even though it covered love, betrayal, generational trauma, and alcoholism, this book was nothing but a breath of fresh air. The setting itself was so fitting—right near the ocean, a symbol of freedom and unfettered dreams—and the visual imagery and metaphors were seamless. The beginning and end fit together like puzzle pieces and lost lovers. And the middle had a beautiful rhythm to it, flowing from the past to the present and back to the past. Never once did these transitions feel ill-placed or confounding, and that is a true talent that Reed possesses.

Moreover, the characterisation was impeccable. Each child of the Riva family had a different story, and a unique perspective, based on their age and how much they have endured and remembered. The past explains the present implicitly when it comes to the characters. Take Nina Riva, for example, the eldest daughter (who I related to the most). She took care of her family to such an extent that she forgot how to take care of herself. Forgot that her autonomy exists. Kit Riva, another character, is always overshadowed, even though she is the most authentic among all her siblings. The coexisting of these characters coupled with their dialogue allowed each one to be their own person, with no blurry lines between characteristics. With family dynamics involved, this distinction is very difficult to achieve.

This book was devastating in its happiness. The pain and emptiness persevered to such an extent that even a hint of happiness, a hint of independence, and a hint of freedom would allow the tears to commence. The buildup makes the relief all the more exciting. The buildup makes the book worth it. Because these dominos tumbled upon each other to raise a long-dead phoenix from the ashes. I was delighted to see Nina get the end she deserved. I was elated to look at Jay and Hud’s brotherhood. I was shell-shocked to see Kit finally shine. They found themselves with a gripping climax and a raging fire.
The elements of this book seem random and mysterious at first. The fire, especially. But it is at the end that one can see just how fitting it is. A new beginning.
My only criticism of the book is the chaos. Sometimes there are too many things going on and while it seems light because of the writing style, it often comes off as messy. However, in this case, it seems fitting as the series of events leading up to the climax are supposed to be chaotic. I just wish Reed did not introduce irrelevant characters and draw out their backstories as it may have diluted the main plot.
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone. It was touching, playful, funny and earth-shattering all the same. I would even call this book life-changing as it allows you to self-reflect and make positive changes in your own life. This book not only covers autonomy but also inspires you to take control of your own life. And that is why, as usual, I believe that Reed has created a masterpiece.