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    Rift: Prequel to Nightshade, Book 1
    Unavailable
    Rift: Prequel to Nightshade, Book 1
    Unavailable
    Rift: Prequel to Nightshade, Book 1
    Audiobook12 hours

    Rift: Prequel to Nightshade, Book 1

    Written by Andrea Cremer

    Narrated by Sile Bermingham

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    She can battle darkness, but she can't fight love.

    Ember Morrow was promised to the knights of Conatus at birth, her life traded for her mother's. So when the horsemen come for her, soon after her sixteenth birthday, Ember's not surprised. What does surprise her, though, is the magic the knights wield, the demons they hunt, and the feelings she has for Barrow Hess, the powerful man she serves.

    When the knights realize that one among them is dabbling in dark magic, danger heightens and Ember must choose whether to follow the path to darkness or to escape the order and pledge her life to destroying her fellow knights.

    With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this breathtaking prequel to the Nightshade series delves into the history of Bosque Mar and the origin of the rift between the Keepers and the Searchers.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateAug 7, 2012
    ISBN9780449015070
    Unavailable
    Rift: Prequel to Nightshade, Book 1

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    Reviews for Rift

    4/5

    55 ratings8 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This is going to be a short review simply because I loved this book so hard that I cannot form the words to explain it. If you loved the Nightshade series, or if you love history (real and fake), this novel will appeal to you as much as it did to me.When this novel is described as a "prequel' to Nightshade, the publishers really mean a prequel. As in 500 years earlier. With the exception of one character, you are not going to be hanging out with any of the Nightshade gang. This is the story of the Witch's War, how they got their magic, who is who and what went down. It answers a lot of questions that I had from the Nightshade series, but it offered an entertaining read all of its own caliber. I love history. Real, fake, I love it all. Seriously love it. I am taking two AP history classes next year just because I like it that much. If you love history, or have just a mild fascination, Rift would be a great novel for you. It is heavy on the history, so if you are a fan of Nightshade, but not necessarily historical fiction, don't be fooled into thinking that the two series are one in the same. What I really appreciated about this novel is that the "fake" history of the Witches' War is mingled in with very real and accurate history of the medieval times. In addition, the language is spot on. Often times in historical fiction, especially in YA, the language makes the characters sound either naive because the author wants them to sound more proper, or the language is an odd mix of current and historical lingo. The only way I can describe it is that the language used in Rift sounds right, like there is no doubt that those characters really would speak like that if they were alive during that time period. Overall, I do not have a single negative thing to say. I loved it so much I can't even explain.
    • 4/5
      I found this to be an interesting departure from what I've come to expect from Cremer as her usual fare, and it was a pleasant surprise. I'm glad this prequel is only going to be a duology, and I'm really looking forward to the adult erotica releases in the same universe, too. With "Rift", there are no love triangles (YAY!), no wolves, just a medieval, arcane bunch of knights (and witches) that eventually become all of the factions we know of in the "Nightshade" trilogy - the Seekers, the Keepers, and the Guardians. I enjoyed this foray into the past, and now I can't wait for the second/last part of this duology, "Rise".For those looking for the fast pace of the previous trilogy, you might be disappointed by the first fourth of the book (despite what the blurb says). I found that this book was written in a very different way when compared to the trilogy, and the pace was pretty slow up until Bosque Mar and Eira become the two main characters. I think this is due to the fact that Cremer was laying down not only how things worked in 15th Century Scotland/Europe, but giving us more information on Conatus in terms of its origins and its inner workings. So within the first fourth of the book, I'd say there's a kind of a big info dump, but with her fantastic abilities with sensory language and imagery, Cremer weaves all of this in very, very well, so it didn't feel like a complete brick to the head with information. There's a lot of historical stuff to be laid down and substantiated, but I felt like Cremer did a great job, even with the slow pacing.Ember is a great heroine, but for the first fourth, it felt like more a narrative of everyone in Conatus until she begins her training for the War office. It's at that point that, along with Barrow and Alistair, she really comes alive. The lack of a love triangle is awesome (and Alistair becomes a warning of what the true nature of "the boy next door/the ultimate nice guy" might really be), and really refreshing. Once Ember becomes active, the pace starts picking up, and you really want to cheer her on. You want to punch her father in the face, and you want to join Conatus, yourself. That's how much fun this book is.And then, there's Bosque Mar. We learn where he's really from, though in "Bloodrose" we got some pretty solid hints. When he offers his services to Eira, a frustrated lady knight and part of Conatus' Circle (governing body), we finally kind of get back into the prose and pace we all know and love from the "Nightshade" trilogy. Cremer does a great job with fleshing out all of the important players of Conatus, especially Eira, and sets her up to be a fantastic villain by the end of the book. While her eventual downturn into revenge and destruction isn't really a surprise (or hidden very well), the final act that throws her over the edge and onto Mar's team is absolutely fantastic (and gruesome) to read. Cremer didn't disappoint me at all with her Big Bads, and you can definitely bet that I'm chomping on the bit to see how the three separate factions will arise out of what Conatus used to be.Can I also just comment on how awesome the details (like the weapons and clothing) are? I want Ember's weapons. They're awesome. The way Conatus helps you pick your weapons is awesome. Can I just join them now, please?I could go on, but I won't. "Rift" is out now from Philomel/Penguin in North America, so fans of the "Nightshade" trilogy (yes, even you who are bitter after the ending of "Bloodrose") should definitely run out and get a copy. It's definitely worth the wait. In the prequel category of things, it lands a spot in my best of 2012 list so far. It's definitely worth the read, so be sure to check it out. The best part? You don't need to be a previous fan to read these books to understand what's going on. Definitely recommended!(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
    • 5/5
      This book rocked my socks off! Amazing plot line with dynamic characters, Ms. Cremer wrote the book of my dreams.The reason why I adore this book is because of the elements. There is a girl, different yet has a destiny that is waiting for her. Pair her up with a secret society with a hottie for a mentor and you got yourself one hell of a story! Seriously this book is like WOW! I loved that one thing this plot has is a great timeline. Plotted in the past, it leads the character to a time where women did things in secret. Like learning how to wield a sword and throw a punch. Ember takes to her destiny like peanut butter and jelly. She doesn't give up, yet so grows fast in front of the reader with amazing stamina.The characters of the book are awesome. The secret society and mentors she has, really plots out what Ember will be going through. The characters don't develop too fast. Ms. Cremer gives the reader a good time to really learn the characters. And once you know them you can't help but smile the rest of the way through.Love interest. Who doesn't love it when a hunky guy with a sword in his has calls her lass. *MAJOR SWOON* Let me tell you that I fell for this guys fast. He is brilliant yet is sure of himself. He like that Ember is not some regular girl, but a challenge that can have me guessing all the time. Love it!Rift is a brilliant mixed of light and dark. With an amazing plot the entices the reader, Rift is satisfactory. The efficient writing leads the reader to a wonderful world of amazing elements. Nonstop action with characters full of charm and deception, Rift is epic!
    • 5/5
      So far this novel is great! Jessica got from library and tea and told me I needed to. I started it and was immediately absorbed. Really awesome novel!
    • 4/5
      Ember had always known that come her 16th birthday she would have to go to the secretive religious order Conatus. One of the healers had saved her life when she was born and she wanted to go, she wanted more than marriage and what was expected of her but she wasn't sure what. Now she has to follow her heart and try to survive training and survive some macinations that will put her life at risk.I liked the story, even if I wasn't too fond of the romance aspects, I just didn't feel anything between a lot of the characters other than friendshi. It was a good, engaging read though and I'm looking forward to more by this author.
    • 4/5
      This is going to be a good series; I think I like this one even more than the Nightshade series, maybe. Ember longs to be from under her father's watchful eye and hopes to have a life of her own choosing. She has no desire to be a wife to some rich aristocrat just to carry on the family name and wealth. It just so happens that when her mother was giving birth to her, things weren't going so well and they both almost died. Conatus agrees to save her in exchange for the daughter she bears, Ember. On the day she is supposed to leave her father tries everything to put a dent in her departure but no matter how hard he tries Ember is destined and determined to leave. Barrow, a member of the Guard that Conatus sent to retrieve her, proves to be a force that won't budge to the whims of her father via a very visually gruesome fight scene. Once Ember arrives she must go through a test to prove that she is on the right path, and this will truly decide her place in Conatus. However, her father is still persistent about her not being there, goodness this man is stubborn!

      The romance between Ember and Barrow is just right not too much, too soon but just enough heat to make it swoon-worthy. Alistair, her best friend from home is also a member of the Guard and he longs to be with Ember. The sparks fly when he sees that she is interested in Barrow. Ember she is strong, stubborn and fierce. She is a natural fighter with spirit and not one of those wimpy female leads but she is proactive. Alistair is a spineless weasel. Barrow is a fantastic fighter with a subtle strength to him. I like that he is more level minded and careful with Ember whereas Alistair is more aggressive, sneaky and single-minded. Though this book is not entirely about the romance but about the darkness that is infiltrating itself into the very hearts of the Guard own warriors.

      The writing is good and the plot is steadily paced. The narrative seems to follow the perspectives of Ember and Eira. Ember is trying to show that she is capable of being a valuable member at Conatus and Eira is not entirely satisfied with her position in the Circle, she longs for something more. It is interesting to see what lead to the events in Nightshade. Mostly, what works for me is the characters mainly Ember and Barrow, the scenes with them are my favorites. I recommend this to the readers of fantasy fiction and those that also like the Nightshade series.
    • 5/5
      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.
    • 5/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Well-rounded characters, a realistic history and culture, and writing like no other, Rift is a must-read for 2012. Opening Sentence: Ember brought her sword down without warning and her aim was true. The Review: Andrea Cremer is back with Rift, the prequel to the Nightshade series. This time, she goes to the beginning of where it all started. Before the division of Guardians, Keepers, and the Searchers, there were the sisters Cian and Eira. In this historic world, only men fought the battles while women enriched their cultures at home. Young Ember Morrow has been promised to a group called the Conatus, fulfilling her father’s vows from so long ago. But to Ember, it is not duty to be filled, but a calling to answer. For Ember, the call to become a warrior is strong, and becoming a Guard in Conatus is not tangible. Perceptions of the group are unsure for outsiders, but for Ember and the rest of the Guard, it is an honor to cherish the secret. In a time where societal norms are ruled by males, and where expectations of sex and class are not only followed but adhered by, becoming a female warrior in training is unheard of. But Ember not only learns to keep this secret, but she also learns of new ones. There are dark and evil forces amidst the townspeople, some from another world and some unfathomable. But with the help of her mentor and the Guard, she becomes the warrior she has set out to be. Ember Morrow is a strong and courageous heroine, someone who I quickly admired. From the first few pages, I loved her whole being and self-esteem. She has a set of values true to herself, knows her principles, she stands up for what she believes in. Ember has been called a warrior with a lot of talent and promise, and after reading Rift, I believe in her strength. The Guard has several characters that you will love to hate and hate to love. Alistair is her childhood friend. He joins in her journey with the Guard and Conatus. Alistair loves Ember in a way that Ember doesn’t. It brings complications and an overprotectiveness that is unwelcome. Lord Barrow Hart is a knight with all the glory that the title beholds. He becomes Ember’s mentor, training her in the ways of the Guard and refining her natural talent and skills. Barrow earns Ember’s trust and loyalty, paving way to an unbreakable friendship. The Guard, individually and collectively, act as a great supporting character. Individually, they provide ease and hardships to Ember’s journey. Collectively, they provide a strength and companionship for Ember, who is so far away from the comforts of home. Cian and Eira are the sisters who started it all. We finally see their story, the beginnings of the end. Together they rose from a hard life, and together they gathered their strength. Now a part of The Circle, they are seen as leaders. A difference in opinion causes a rift between the two sisters. One views a path of peace, while the other seeks retribution. Set in the early fifteenth century, and taken place in the Scottish lowlands, Rift truly starts where the Nightshade series ended. Cremer has done a fantastic job weaving history and folklore within the pages of Rift, something that she has always excelled at. The pages bleed with cultural details, so believable that their world could be true and real. Neither one knows what they are fighting, for the darkness and evils that attack are from a different world. Cremer definitely brings the dark and mysterious with Rift. She brings a more aggressive tone in her writing and in her characters. It’s very interesting to learn and understand more about the world and how everything started. Rift is definitely about a journey to a distant land and into a new place altogether. With well-rounded characters, a realistic history and culture, and writing like no other, Rift is a must-read for 2012. Notable Scene: Propping himself on one elbow, he reached out to brush a strand of auburn hair from her face. For a moment his fingers rested against her cheekbone. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she murmured, trying to catch her breath. She’d made an honest attempt to free herself, but now she couldn’t focus on anything but the length of Barrow’s body pressed against her. His face was very close to hers. She could see dark stubble beginning to peek out on his chin and jaw. “It was meant to be one,” he said quietly, and went very still. Without warning he pushed himself up and stepped away from her. “I think that’s enough for today.” Ember sat up, surprised by his sudden change in mood. He offered his hand to help her up but released her fingers the moment she was on her feet. “I’ve kept something from you and I can’t continue to do so,” he said. “What is it?” Ember asked warily. “I wanted you to fight so you knew your strength, your inherent skills,” he said. “You are a warrior, Ember, don’t doubt that.”FTC Advisory: Philomel/Penguin provided me with a copy of Rift. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.