The Debilis Rising (Keepers of the Rock) by E.K. Wise is a wild mix of magic, science, and history. It follows two teens, Tessa Horton and Tú Chen, who aren’t just smart—they’ve got some seriously unique powers. They get into a secretive school, the College of Geological Evolution, where people like them learn to use their abilities to connect with the Earth in ways most of us couldn’t even imagine. But things get intense fast. They find out they’ve been recruited to fight against an ancient group called the Debilis, who have been messing with humanity for centuries to serve their own selfish plans. With everything on the line, Tessa and Tú have to figure out their powers, juggle new friendships, and deal with a ton of pressure. The story moves fast, keeps you guessing, and makes you think about our relationship with Earth in ways you probably never have before.

E.K. Wise does an awesome job of making this world feel real while still packing it full of magic. The environmental themes don’t feel preachy—they’re just naturally part of the story, which makes it even more interesting. I loved how the mix of fantasy, science, and history gave it a fresh feel, and once I started, I didn’t want to stop reading. The characters feel real too. Their friendships and struggles make sense instead of feeling forced, which made me care about what happened to them. There’s a great balance of action, quieter emotional moments, and a few surprises that genuinely caught me off guard. Plus, some of the descriptions of nature are just breathtaking. Wise keeps the pace just right, making it easy to get lost in the story. Overall, The Debilis Rising is one of those books that’s not just fun to read; it sticks with you, and I highly recommend it if you’re into urban fantasy that has something to say.

The Debilis Rising (Keepers of the Rock) by E. K. Wise is a young adult fantasy offering a fascinating premise reminiscent of The X-Men. For millennia, a secretive society known as The Keepers of the Rock has assisted humankind to survive through their supernatural affinity with Earth itself. Able to sense changes in the earth’s composition and to mold and shape minerals and atmosphere, they have ensured stability but, in recent generations, their work has become critical as technology slowly destroys the very planet that sustains their lives. For several centuries, the Keepers have been finding and training young people identified as having these abilities at the College of Geological Evolution. Readers are introduced to the current Keepers, as well as this year’s intake of gifted students. The Keepers’ and Earth’s greatest enemies are on the rise and only the Keepers stand in their way. The Debilis are committed to seeking control over the resources of the planet and, to do so, are happy to permanently cull the population. 

The Debilis Rising is an unusual and exciting premise. The idea that there is a secret cabal intent on saving the earth for all humanity is a refreshing concept. Author E. K. Wise has created a wonderfully diverse and entertaining cast of characters who make up both the Keepers and the students. The wide range of cultures and ethnicities in this diverse group and the use of colloquial language, where appropriate, gave the story a witty and lighthearted overtone that belied the seriousness of the subject matter. Any book that not only entertains but also educates readers is a winner in my opinion and this story does both. The author not only explains some of the more outlandish colloquialisms with footnotes but also explains the many geological and mineral terms. The irony that both the Keepers and the Debilis were ultimately seeking the same result, to save the planet, was not lost on me. It was their methods and motivations that differed so greatly. This promises to be a thoughtful, exciting, and enthralling series. I am hooked on the premise, the characters, and the suspense. I look forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.

The Debilis Rising by E. K. Wise opens the Keepers of the Rock series, a spellbinding story for fans of YA urban fantasy. The College of Geological Evolution is a unique and special school run by the Keepers of the Rock, and it secretly prepares young students with exceptional abilities to protect the planet from destructive forces. Tessa Horton and Tú Chen are admitted into this college, and, as they navigate new relationships while building their skills, a powerful evil threatens the earth. It is the Debilis — ancient and destructive. What chance do the neophytes have against such power?

There is much to enjoy in E. K. Wise’s first entry into a sensational series, starting with expert storytelling and exceptional characterization. From the first page, when the book introduces the enigmatic Rua-Jian Chu and his interior dialogues to the growing tension as a significant threat looms ahead, there is no moment in which something doesn’t capture the reader's interest. The Debilis Rising explores the characters' inner worlds with brilliance, and the tension that Tessa and Tú experience as they navigate college life and new relationships infuses the writing with emotional energy. The idea of a resurging evil is not entirely new in this genre. Still, the author writes about it with authority, bringing a sense of originality into the writing and creating an antihero who raises the stakes for the key characters. The prose is gorgeous and sprinkled with vivid descriptions that capture elements of the settings, including locales in Bangkok and Macau. This fantasy delivers unforgettable characters and a mesmerizing plot.

The Debilis Rising is the first book in the Keepers of the Rock series by E. K. Wise. The story follows Tessa Horton and Tú Chen, who possess supernatural abilities and are invited to the prestigious College of Geological Evolution, an institution run by the legendary Keepers of the Rock. There, they learn to harness their powers to protect the planet from The Debilis, dark forces that manipulate humanity and threaten Earth’s resources. As Tessa and Tú navigate the challenges of their training and form bonds with their extraordinary peers, they must also prepare for an inevitable battle against this hidden enemy. Forbidden from direct interference, they must find ways to guide humanity toward a better future before it’s too late. Is it possible for Tessa and Tú to do it all and still come out unscathed?

Author E. K. Wise blends fantasy, environmental themes, and coming-of-age elements into a compelling narrative that is both thought-provoking and action-packed. The world-building is rich, and I loved every moment of it. The College of Geological Evolution serves as a fascinating backdrop to the story. I loved how the college has its own personality, and the sheer drama of the place is fascinating. Tessa and Tú are well-developed protagonists whose struggles and emotional development make the story entertaining. The pace of the novel is fast, yet it balances everything out at the same time. The addition of magic is an integral part of the story. I loved the character development, how the story developed, and how the first novel ended. With its mix of adventure, mystery, and ecological urgency, The Dibilis Rising is a promising start to an exciting new series. It has been a long time since I have felt this excited about a series. I cannot wait to see what happens next!