Originally posted to: Bookish blog (www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com) 
 Gorgeously written, irresistibly compelling, sexy, thrilling and action-packed, Rift is a fabulous beginning to an exciting new series set in the well-known and well-loved world of Nightshade. In this intensely captivating and beautifully written prequel Andrea Cremer explores the origins of Keepers, Searchers and Guardians, drawing the reader in with an utmost skilfully rendered historical world, intriguing paranormal elements, and characters to die for. It's an absolute must-read, and not only for fans of the Nightshade series, but for anyone who enjoys a great paranormal fantasy with subtle romantic elements. 
 The story centres around Ember Morrow, a daughter of the wealthy and influential Lord Edmund Morrow. Ember's birth was a miracle, and a pricey one at that. Due to unexpected complications during labour, both Ember and her mother nearly lost their lives. If not for the sudden arrival of a healer from Conatus, they wouldn't have survived. The healer's extraordinary abilities saved them, but her help came at a price. And the price named was Ember herself when she reached her sixteenth birthday. 
 When Ember arrives in Tearmunn (an imposing and well-protected fortress that belongs to Conatus), she is neither scared nor worried, as her dream was always to be away from her father's influence and free to chose her own path. She's excited at the prospect of serving the knights of Conatus, and possibly even joining their ranks. Conatus, while being an arm of the Church that continues the work of the Templars, is also so much more than just that. It's a place full of dangerous secrets and forbidden knowledge, and Ember is about to discover a whole other world she never dreamed existed. 
 I absolutely loved this book. I was a huge fan of the Nightshade series, though I must say I didn't particularly like the conclusion of it. Being able to learn more about the gorgeous and exciting world of Nightshade means a lot to me, though, and I'm really grateful for this phenomenal prequel-series. Rift exceeded all my expectations. I love Andrea Cremer's writing style, she is undeniably one of the most talented authors of her generation, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for her. I knew I would love Rift even before I picked it up. What I didn't know, is just how much. This book is nothing short of excellent. Packed with interesting characters, swiftly moving action, intrigue, treachery, magic, and alchemy, it's just as thrilling as it is sexy, and just as captivating as it is entertaining. Most importantly, it's also way more mature and serious than the Nightshade series. The characters are more convincing, their behaviour less erratic, and their actions way better motivated and though-out. There is a love triangle, but it's not as overpowering as the one involving Calla, Ren and Shay. What I especially appreciated about the romance part of the story, is how subtle and slow-developing it was, how innocent and teasing. The sexual tension is still there, but it isn't all over the place, and it certainly does not become the main focus of the story. Not to mention that Ember, while totally kick-ass, confident and brave, is different from Calla in many ways, including decisiveness and fidelity. 
 The characterization, too, is superb, and it provides the reader with a really good insight into the protagonists' thoughts and feelings. All the characters possess many distinct qualities, and they're all very essential to the plot. I am totally in love with Barrow, he is exactly my type of hero - mysterious, intriguing, dedicated, hot and totally badass. He treats Ember with respect and, though he's not really the expressive, share-all-my-feelings-with-you type, he would give his own life to protect her. He's affectionate, but in a very gentleman-like way. He's also tactful, understanding, intelligent, and I have a feeling he is yet to show us just how passionate he is. 
 The plot line is entirely absorbing. Rift is quite a lengthy book, but you're guaranteed to breeze through it in less than a day. You just won't be able to stop reading, I promise. It's one of the most compulsively readable novels I have ever read. 
 Another great thing about this book is its setting. Gorgeous medieval sceneries and buildings, knights and their weaponry,all the historical references (the Templars, witch hunts, etc.), fascinating bits and pieces of facts scattered throughout the story - it all adds a plausible air to the plot and attests to Andrea Cremer's in-depth knowledge of the past. Both the language and peoples' beliefs are in line with the times, too. The attention to historical detail is impressive, and it weaves magnificently in with the all the paranormal elements and thrilling adventures. 
 And what can I say about that killer ending?! Leave it to Andrea Cremer to end every single book with a jaw-dropping cliff hanger! Honestly, I didn't even expect any sort of closure. Andrea Cremer is the queen of cliffhangers that will literally leave you stunned, breathless and desperate for more. That would have been totally cool with me if only I had a copy of the second book sitting on my bookshelf and could dive straight into it. But since I don't, I can't say that I'm happy about the wait. I'm dying to read the sequel! You can't keep doing that to people, Andrea! It's wrong! 
 Needless to day, I highly recommend this book to everyone. The best thing about it? You really don't need to be familiar with the Nightshade series to fully enjoy this wonderful story! Be sure to pick it up next time you're in a bookstore!