Rift (Nightshade Prequel #1)

When I first opened this book, I had very high expectations for it, because, as you would know if you had read them, the Nightshade series definitely sets the mark. Luckily, Rift does not disappoint.

Ember has been under her father's thumb for ever. One day, on her sixteenth birthday, she gets whisked away to Conatus to repay a debt, and finally, it seems she has found a place that she belongs. But all too soon, darkness is brewing within their ranks. Can Ember pull through?

If you have read the Nightshade series, you are probably expecting there to be a lot of kick-ass wolves like in the other books. But in fact, there is no mention of any wolves at all (because this is about how everything came to be). But don't worry! It's still got a few kick-ass girls, and then of course there's the whole knight thing, which is just awesome.

Aaaaah!!! MUST READ NEXT BOOK NOW!!!

I recommend this to EVERYONE (even if you haven't read Nightshade, because it doesn't spoil anything anyway).

Background: Ember is a noble daughter of a Lord who has been promised to Conatus upon her sixteenth birthday. She is whisked away by the Knights of Conatus and begins her destiny there. Set in the time period of the Great Schism and the 100 Years War, darkness is brewing throughout their lands, and the Guard of Conatus stands to save them. But lurking in their ranks is someone also partaking in the dark magic and something must be done to stop them.

Review: I have not read the Nightshade series but was blown away by this prequel. I LOVED it. I received this copy as an Audio book from Random House Audio and could not wait to get back into my car to finish listening…and for the record I HATE driving so that was awesome! Ember is our main character who is strong, independent, clever, and brave. Barrow Hess, her mentor is strong, masculine, and apparently very good looking…
Following Ember as she is taken from her home (willingly) where she was under her father’s thumb to this adventure of a life in the ranks of Conatus was wonderful. I was nervous when she was and frustrated with her when her father was an idiot. Her and Barrow’s relationship was also fun to follow, I was not sure if it was going to progress at all or if the characters stubbornness was going to draw a line, you will have to read to see. :)
Being a huge nerd, I loved the historical references to the Schism and the War in this novel; even jokes were made about them, which I was laughing out loud about in the car. I am eagerly awaiting Prequel #2 Rise.

When I finished reading the Nightshade books, i couldn't believe it was all over, I was basically in tears because it ended. You cannot even start to believe my relief to know there was a prequel, and a prequel with a sequel!!!

In Rift, instead of being about the wolves like Calla, it is about the beginning of the Keepers, even though they are not called that in these books. There are small connections throughout the entire books that links to the Nightshade trilogy, which I really enjoy looking for. As well as those small details, there are new creatures not encountered in the original books, which is just brilliant, as it was totally unexpected and not repetitive of the last books, which is always a positive thing.

Ember is a strong female protagonist, and isn't one of those girls that would obsess about their male counterpart, which is another point in my good books. I thought that it was great that she didn't submit to her father's will, I just love characters who don't give up. What I found really funny was that Barrow and Morrow look quite similar, and at the very first page I kept getting mucked up with the names. I really like Barrow, as he was real tough on the outside, but so kind and gentle on the inside, and it was done so well that it felt really really strong.

I thought it was real clever to include Bosque Mar in this story as well, another great tie in with the original books. The whole quest for power and greatest desires is not done anywhere near cheesy in this book, and even though it's not, it feels like an original idea.

I cannot wait for to read the sequel to this amazing prequel, the magic, the monsters and the romance is so perfect in this book.

My review is posted at: litupmyworld.tumblr.com

Totally different from Nightshade but still amazing