This book is a lot more exciting than its predecessor. This is the sequel to Hereafter, and it is much faster-paced, now that Amelia actually knows who she is, and instead of moping about, she can actually try to do something about her state of being (or unbeing). This is not a standalone book, you will be forever confused if you do not read Hereafter first.Amelia is frustrated at her lack of a future with Joshua, since she is unable to touch him, and she is aware that while she remains an 18-year old ghost, he will age and grow without her. Amelia is also concerned about Joshua's withdrawal from the world, for her sake, because there's not much socializing you can do with your own peers when you're dating a dead girl.Joshua's family goes to New Orleans to spend Christmas with their extended family, and Amelia tags along. In New Orleans, she meets a group of Joshua's cousins and their friends, all of whom can hear her and detect her presence. Meanwhile, there are demons after Amelia, threatening to destroy her loved ones. Over Christmas, she has to figure out what to do in order to keep the people she loves safe, and she is willing to do whatever it takes, including disappearing from their lives for good. She's not alone, she is aided by a new character named Gabrielle, who is not who she seems.I liked this book a lot better than Hereafter. Hereafter seemed to move too slowly, whereas the plot moves along a lot faster in Arise. The plot can be confusing at times, and I felt the mysterious beings are not entirely wrapped up or explained, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I found Joshua's character rather annoying here; he is so freaking mopey, clingy, and weak. I have a mental impression of him with huge anime-style eyes with tears dripping out. Amelia is much stronger, more sure of herself, more willing to take risks and actions. It's not the most complex of books, or the most amazing characterization, but I enjoyed it as a quick read and as a sequel to a book I enjoyed.
