Rift
Exciting, suspenseful prequel to Nightshade series.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Rift is the first of a two-part prequel to the popular Nightshade trilogy. No werewolves here, but there are noble knights, nasty villains, magic, frightening monsters, and thrilling suspense. There are also some brutally violent scenes, including a sword fight in which a minor character loses a limb. Ember and the other knights fight zombies and dragon-like monsters, including bloodthirsty goblins who kill minor and secondary characters. The knights also battle wraiths who suck people's souls and hunt children. Rift also has romance, with same- and opposite-sex kissing. And a familiar character from the Nightshade series makes a special appearance.
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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: Andrea Cremer
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Book Characters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- 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, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Nightshade, Book 1
Gripping werewolf thriller explores lust more than love.
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Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Violent tale of assassin nun seeking revenge on men.
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Graceling: Graceling Realm, Book 1
Excellent and violent fantasy-adventure-romance.
For kids who love fantasy and romance
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