Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, suspenseful prequel to Nightshade series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Ember was promised to the knights of Contanus when her mother signed a blood contract at her birth. Knowing this is her fate and not wanting to marry, Ember has secretly trained and mentally prepared herself to be a knight. But her father would rather she marry a wealthy suitor. The knights put her to a tough test, but she passes with flying colors. She starts training with a handsome and enigmatic knight, all while facing monsters she never knew existed. Through magic and toughness, Ember and the knights battle darkness and witchcraft, as well as one another.
Is It Any Good?
RIFT is an exciting addition to the Nightshade series. It takes place in a much different time period and location -- 15th-century Scotland -- and has a coming-of-age feel. Every moment is fraught with tension, and the action is nonstop. Readers who are tired of love triangles and love at first sight will be pleased to find neither here. The romance evolves from mutual admiration and then solid friendship. Though there remain some loose ends and unanswered questions, Rift will leave readers salivating for the sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about traditional and nontraditional roles of women during the 1400s. What options did women have in adulthood besides marriage?
If you read any of the Nightshade trilogy, how do you think this prequel compares?
Teen girls: What would you do if a male friend wanted more than friendship?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : August 7, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 464
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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