ROSE RISING follows MAARVIK AND THE PURPLES OF TRISTAN 5, continuing the story of the Purples' adventure on Earth. Twelve years after their appearance as small, helpless creatures, the aliens are finally nearing the end of their growth cycle. Most of these extraterrestrials have topped out at around seven feet. Rose Mancuso-Brachmayer, adopted by a human couple in Seattle, may be the most conspicuous of the lot. As if being a member of an alien species weren't enough, Rose-true to ir name-stands out even further by ir distinct reddish color and larger-than-average size. Life as eight-foot giant is fraught with emotional as well as physical complications, and living in the city grows less and less tenable. Due to ir unique status as a Pink, Rose is invited to join The Center for Purple Studies at the University of Hawaii on Oahu. As re settles in among the largest alien population in the world, it quickly becomes apparent that ir differences extend far beyond size and color. How will Rose-and the human world re inhabits-deal with ir newfound powers and magnanimity? And how much will the Purples themselves--whose very survival testifies to their bond with humanity--risk as they rally around their new, de facto leader?