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Witches' Blood (Rifter #4)

by Ginn Hale (Goodreads Author)

4.46 of 5 stars 4.46 · rating details · 197 ratings · 18 reviews

When John opens a letter addressed to his missing roommate, Kyle, he expects to find a house key, but instead he is swept into a strange realm of magic, mysticism, revolutionaries and assassins. Though he struggles to escape, John is drawn steadily closer to a fate he share with Kyle—to wake the destroyer god, the Rifter, and shatter a world.

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Published June 2011 by Blind Eye Books

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Feb 26, 2012 Three Crow Press rated it 4 of 5 stars

Three Crow Press Review by Lisa

So, if you’ve made it this far in the Rifter series, you know that John, Laurie, and Bill have inadvertently traveled to Basawar, to the year 185, when John intercepted a key meant for Kyle, his scarred, tattooed, and mysterious roommate. The three friends discovered the strange lock in which the key fits, then suddenly found themselves traveling through the shattered gates, to an unknown land. It is a land where suspected witches and revolutionaries are publicly b...more Three Crow Press Review by Lisa

So, if you’ve made it this far in the Rifter series, you know that John, Laurie, and Bill have inadvertently traveled to Basawar, to the year 185, when John intercepted a key meant for Kyle, his scarred, tattooed, and mysterious roommate. The three friends discovered the strange lock in which the key fits, then suddenly found themselves traveling through the shattered gates, to an unknown land. It is a land where suspected witches and revolutionaries are publicly burned, where magic goes hand in hand with danger and lurks in the shadows, where John fights for his and his friends’ survival, where he enters into a bargain that will bring him closer to the key to returning home, but will also bring him face to face with the enemy, revealing the immense power that he wields and bringing him closer to Ravishan, a young man who has become a valuable ally, a source of temptation, and who, I think, has another identity in the future. But I would never presume to believe I have things figured out. Ginn Hale’s imagination is far too sophisticated for me to be that confident.

When Kyle, the Kahlil, attempts to follow John, Laurie, and Bill through the gates to his home world, his journey takes him to a point in time years beyond where John and friends have landed, and where it is slowly becoming evident that their presence in the past has affected a change in the time/space continuum. The trip itself leaves Kyle’s body and memories in tatters, but he is rescued and eventually recovers enough to enter into service in the Bousim household, where he becomes an assassin for Alidas, a man whose life John had saved decades before and who had become the catalyst for John’s service at Rathal’pesha.

Alidas sends Kahlil on one final mission, one he may not survive, one in which he comes face to face with John, now Jath’ibaye, a storyline that is still hanging in the balance, as we spend time in the past in Witches’ Blood, witnessing John’s gradual evolution into the man he will become, with the power to do things he shouldn’t be able to do, things that enflame an enemy and that could very well brand him as a witch.

The more that’s revealed in this series, the more there is to question; the latest and greatest question being who will travel back to Nayeshi, the contemporary world, and who will be left behind? There are bargains struck to hide a potentially deadly secret that cannot be fulfilled if the key is found. There have been some hints as to who remains, but do the others make it out of Basawar alive? That remains to be seen, as a battle looms on the horizon, one that will upset the status quo.

There is as much information as action in this installment in the series, as Ginn Hale continues to artfully weave the past and the future together to create a picture of what is yet to come. This is as much a revelation of what will be as it is an exploration of how it will evolve. Every player seems to be developing into a significant cog in the war machine that is building toward an outstanding climax.

My only regret is that I can’t read fast enough to satisfy my obsession with finding out what’s coming next.(less)

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Jan 08, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, alt-u, fantasy, favorites, glbt, m-m, novella

So, if you’ve made it this far in the Rifter series, you know that John, Laurie, and Bill have inadvertently traveled to Basawar, to the year 185, when John intercepted a key meant for Kyle, his scarred, tattooed, and mysterious roommate. The three friends discovered the strange lock in which the key fits, then suddenly found themselves traveling through the shattered gates, to an unknown land. It is a land where suspected witches and revolutionaries are publicly burned, where magic goes hand in...more So, if you’ve made it this far in the Rifter series, you know that John, Laurie, and Bill have inadvertently traveled to Basawar, to the year 185, when John intercepted a key meant for Kyle, his scarred, tattooed, and mysterious roommate. The three friends discovered the strange lock in which the key fits, then suddenly found themselves traveling through the shattered gates, to an unknown land. It is a land where suspected witches and revolutionaries are publicly burned, where magic goes hand in hand with danger and lurks in the shadows, where John fights for his and his friends’ survival, where he enters into a bargain that will bring him closer to the key to returning home, but will also bring him face to face with the enemy, revealing the immense power that he wields and bringing him closer to Ravishan, a young man who has become a valuable ally, a source of temptation, and who, I think, has another identity in the future. But I would never presume to believe I have things figured out. Ginn Hale’s imagination is far too sophisticated for me to be that confident.

When Kyle, the Kahlil, attempts to follow John, Laurie, and Bill through the gates to his home world, his journey takes him to a point in time years beyond where John and friends have landed, and where it is slowly becoming evident that their presence in the past has affected a change in the time/space continuum. The trip itself leaves Kyle’s body and memories in tatters, but he is rescued and eventually recovers enough to enter into service in the Bousim household, where he becomes an assassin for Alidas, a man whose life John had saved decades before and who had become the catalyst for John’s service at Rathal’pesha.

Alidas sends Kahlil on one final mission, one he may not survive, one in which he comes face to face with John, now Jath’ibaye, a storyline that is still hanging in the balance, as we spend time in the past in Witches’ Blood, witnessing John’s gradual evolution into the man he will become, with the power to do things he shouldn’t be able to do, things that enflame an enemy and that could very well brand him as a witch.

The more that’s revealed in this series, the more there is to question; the latest and greatest question being who will travel back to Nayeshi, the contemporary world, and who will be left behind. There are bargains struck to hide a potentially deadly secret that cannot be fulfilled if the key is found. There have been some hints as to who remains, but do the others make it out of Basawar alive? That remains to be seen, as a battle looms on the horizon, one that will upset the status quo.

There is as much information as action in this installment in the series, as Ginn Hale continues to artfully weave the past and the future together to create a picture of what is yet to come. This is as much a revelation of what will be as it is an exploration of how it will evolve. Every player seems to be developing into a significant cog in the war machine that is building toward an outstanding climax.

My only regret is that I can’t read fast enough to satisfy my obsession with finding out what’s coming next.

The Novel Approach (less)

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Jun 15, 2011 Kassa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Witches’ Blood is the fourth installment of the Rifter series and oh it’s good. The usual disclaimer applies in that you shouldn’t try to pick this story up mid-series but start at the beginning. You should be reading anyway because it’s an epic fantasy story and seriously one of the better ones I’ve read, easily standing with mainstream fantasy stories. The difference is that the Rifter series is pared down to two important storylines and two main characters that presumably have a happy ending....more Witches’ Blood is the fourth installment of the Rifter series and oh it’s good. The usual disclaimer applies in that you shouldn’t try to pick this story up mid-series but start at the beginning. You should be reading anyway because it’s an epic fantasy story and seriously one of the better ones I’ve read, easily standing with mainstream fantasy stories. The difference is that the Rifter series is pared down to two important storylines and two main characters that presumably have a happy ending. So it’s even better!

The story this time focuses entirely on John during this time in the temple. There isn’t as much action as the previous book but my attention never waivers. John is such a dynamic character that he easily holds the entire novella and it was only at the end that I started to wonder what was going on with Kahlil. Hopefully the next installment will have some of the wonderful Kahlil and maybe even Kahlil with Jath’ibaye. I can only hope but I certainly wasn’t disappointed with this offering. The plot is character driven with a lot of dialogue and introspection. Yet the quick pace and inspired writing never let this part become rote, boring, or bogged down in too much information and background.

Instead the subtle details about John’s life and true purpose are starting to emerge. He’s integrated into the temple life for a few years now and though it’s hard work, he is finally finding his place. This is both good and bad since John realizes that this strange new world may not be one he wants to be a part of. It’s cruel and harsh, often letting philosophy and religion dictate over common sense and decency. John must battle not only his own desire for an easier path but the various pitfalls surrounding his friends, new and old.

John is definitely a complicated but compelling character. His latent power as the Rifter is shown in any number of ways and it’s fascinating to watch him grow and change into what he will become. His experiences with these men, good men and evil men, shape John into who he will be as well. You can see the various experiences that will make him into Jath’ibaye and I honestly love that. I love knowing the future so I can appreciate the circumstances and situations presented even more. Even as some of the events that happen are cruel and often difficult to take, which of course makes me sympathize with John and want him to embrace his future. Not to give any spoilers but if John just happens to kill Dayyid at some point in this series, I wouldn’t shed any tears.

Moving on from John the myriad of secondary characters come into their own. The old priest Samsango is shown with both good and bad traits. He’s kind and religious but almost blindly so in many ways. John’s unique perspective as an outside allows both him and the reader to view these men in all their complexity. John’s relationship with Ravishan is deepening in dangerous ways while Fikiri’s bitterness and anger starts to show with understandable reasons. The only problem in this cast is with John’s friends Bill and Laurie. In the first few books they were funny, irreverent, light hearted, and much needed additions to the otherwise gloomy landscape. Yet they’ve kind of disappeared into the story and setting so much they’re forgettable. The scenes involving these two are bland and so unlike their earlier vibrant presence that it’s too bad. They are still important and will be the source of new conflict to come but they feel misused and watered down right now.

That however is my only stumble with this particular offering in the series. The plot may be dialogue based with a lot of introspection but John’s perspective remains engaging and interesting throughout. The skillful leaps in time allow the story to move quickly without feeling as if important scenes are left out. In the last book the story truly hit its stride and book four continues that trend incredibly well. I can’t wait for the next installment, there are so many possibilities.(less)

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Jun 12, 2011 Jenre added it

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, romance

Part four of The Rifter takes on a different structure to the previous two parts. Instead of an equal focus between John and Kahlil, the book concentrates solely on John and his time in the monestary at Rathal'pesha. This part of the story follows John for about 18 months as he tries to devote his time to helping out in the infirmary by 'taking on' the injuries of the ushiri'im when they attempt to travel through gray space, and by aiding Hann'yu in the day to day tasks in the infirmary.

There ar...more Part four of The Rifter takes on a different structure to the previous two parts. Instead of an equal focus between John and Kahlil, the book concentrates solely on John and his time in the monestary at Rathal'pesha. This part of the story follows John for about 18 months as he tries to devote his time to helping out in the infirmary by 'taking on' the injuries of the ushiri'im when they attempt to travel through gray space, and by aiding Hann'yu in the day to day tasks in the infirmary.

There are several plot threads which we follow during these 140 odd pages. The first thread is that of John's relationship with Ravishan. Their forbidden feelings for each other grow despite both of them knowing the consequences should they be caught. The moments they get with each other are snatched and furtive which lends a sadness to the romance, whilst also allowing the reader to see just how erotic a forbidden brush of fingers can be or a stolen hug. It is in this theme where we see all of John's frustrations over his time in Basawar as compared to his previous life on Earth, and this frustration spills into other aspects of this part too.

Another theme is that of John's powers and their slow discovery by those around him. Sometimes this is for good effect, such as when Ravishan discovers that John's 'gift' can aid him with gray space, but most of the time there is danger for John every time something new is discovered about him. This theme is intertwined with that of John's growing horror of the way that witches are treated in Basawar, especially in the North where religion has such a grip on the populace. This makes it even more imperative that John hide his powers in case he too is outed as a witch. The way that John has to tread carefully with everything he says and does meant that the atmosphere in this part was tense and sombre. There were several fraught filled moments, such as when John discovers he had a bad reaction to poison known to particularly affect witches, or the way that he can manipulate gray space, which brought me to the edge of my seat as I read on to see how this would be viewed by others.

One final theme which is explored in part four is John's growing animosity towards Ushman Dayyid, the man in charge of the ushiri'im. Dayyid is suspicious of John and treats him with a malicious intent at all times. Meanwhile, John's feelings for Dayyid are growing from a sullen annoyance to all out hatred. This animosity between them is growing in intensity to the extent that it will go one of two ways: Either Dayyid will push John too far and he will end up doing something he later regrets; or the pair will end up having to set aside their differences and work together during a crisis. I strongly suspect the former, but this author is nothing but surprising so we'll see!

I have to say that, apart from the first part of the series, this has to be my favourite part so far. There's a sense of impending doom slowly filtering through the narrative which sends a shiver down my spine and made me very frustrated when I got the end of the part because I wanted to read on and find out more! John's complexity as a character constantly develops and he is already a very changed man from the college student we meet in part one. The descriptions of the city combine bleakness at the povety and the irrational religious fervour of the residents with the opulence of the richer aristocracy and the more temperant views of the intellectual Hann'yu. This is not an easy read with some gruesome and macabre descriptions but I was hooked through the whole of part four and can't wait to read part five.(less)

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Jan 03, 2012 Lady*M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, glbt

Almost, but not quite 4 stars.

This part of the story concentrated on John entirely. And this is what my feelings were at the time I read this installment: I want Kahlil, Damn it! XD

In this part, John completely settles in monastery life - he has to remind himself why he is there in the first place. His relationship with Ravishan - although platonic - is deepening. They attend the fair and Dayyid forces Ravishan to burn the witch - young girl - and we find out he was also forced to burn his mothe...more

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Mar 12, 2013 D rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, lgbtq, challenge, favorites

This one focuses more on John and the he spends waiting for Ravishan to become Kahlil so they could go back to Nayeshi. The Oracle Bones are close to finding the Rifter, and John's dreams are becoming filled with rather macabre details. The other priests suspect that there's more to John that meets the eye, but I don't think they ever thought that the Rifter was at Basawar with them.

Anyway, poor John has to think about how he'd get his friends back to Nayeshi without any of them getting burned...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Aldi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, gay-or-gender-interest

Once again wishing there were half-star ratings. This was definitely more like a 3.5.

Interesting developments! This installment was probably the most invested in this series that I've been so far. For the first time, John felt like a real, fleshed-out character and someone I actually felt sympathy for. The world-building remains fascinating - the descriptions are lush and evocative, and I'm quite fascinated with the theocracy background in general and the Payshmura religion in particular. It man...more

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Jun 18, 2011 orannia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Four and a half stars. I must admit to being a huge Kyle fan. So, when I realized this part was all about John I was a little (only a little mind :) worried. I shouldn't have been. I feel far more familiar (and comfortable) with John now. His character is far more fleshed out.

This part was definitely dark in places. Very dark. The world - Basawar - is not a nice one. The tension continues to build...and the great thing about Ginn Hale's writing is, I can't predict where it is going. I worry. Ro...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Adriana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-on-kindle

I read this book in like two hours -from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. -having to work early the next day. That's how hooked I am. And it was totally worth it.

Just when I think I know where the main story is heading, there's always something that catches me totally off guard. The nonlinear way the story is presented makes it even more surprising, because I can't even begin to imagine all the things that have to happen between points A and B to create the outcome presented in the future. I can only guess it...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Foolish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dtr, m-m, angst, anthologies-short-stories, coming-out, e-book, fantasy, first-time, magic, paranormal, secret-relationship

The Rifter series, so far, is outstanding and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I find I'm falling more in love with John and Ravishan with each installment, although I'm now starting to panic about what the future holds for them both and whether or not they'll get their chance of a peaceful life together.

Whilst on the one hand I want John and Ravishan to end up together and walk into the sunset, I don't want to leave Kyle out. I do, however, have a tiny theory at this stage about Kyle and Ravis...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Janine Ballard rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was where I stopped reading The Rifter. I enjoyed the first three installments considerably, but this one dragged out the situation at the monastery, and was bleak on top of it. Between the boredom and the unremitting darkness, I found it hard to keep going and after I finished this segment, I did not continue on to the next.

More in depth comments can be found here:

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May 10, 2013 Philip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-lendable

Ravishan, Samsango and Hann'yu are all wonderful. So fantastic. Even if I wasn't phenomenally curious about how this plot was going to work out, I would read just for more of them.

I'm glad the narrative went back to John's time and pov. Reading the previous book that was entirely Kyle I got a bit nervous that this would be a sloppily written story that just drops plots and things. Fortunately, it appears that those worries were completely unwarranted.

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Aug 29, 2012 blub rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor, mm, mm-fantasy, sci-fi

Not as exciting as the previous book but still worth the read. This installment solely focuses on John's adventure/growth and development in Basawar. The well of information being given makes one draw so many conclusions and it's fun to find out which of the ones I've come up with are right. Looking forward to seeing what the next installment will tell me.

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Dec 28, 2011 Meggie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, magic

In this fourth part we fallowed John true his days and months in the monastery. He gained some good friends with his good character and tried to stay true to his own believes. I liked this part. The plot developed slowly, but this way we could see how John life develops in this strange land.

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Aug 28, 2011 Suzanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

The weakest of the installments to date. The story seems to have lost some of its momentum - perhaps due to the absence of Kyle? Hopefully the story picks up in The Holy Road.

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Oct 14, 2011 Pamela rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't get enough of this series! Having to wait the next month is very hard.^^

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Oct 03, 2012 L-D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, magic-witches-mages, novella, paranormal-abilities-superpowers

This series was comprised of 10 novella length books. I read all the books before I came back to review, so my reviews are more of the series as a whole.

I enjoyed this book in the series almost as much as the previous ones. John learns a little more about his abilities on Bashawar in this book. There wasn't a lot else that was really mind-blowing in this episode as there was in previous episodes, but it was a good next book in the series.

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May 01, 2013 KC rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-sf

Awesome!

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Apr 20, 2013 Katharina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

No time to review, MUST CONTINUE READING!!!

... yeah, by the way, this is BEYOND good. :-D

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May 17, 2013 Buttercup rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, sff, talking-would-help, parallel-universes

May 17, 2013 Shabnom rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 16, 2013 Humanized Serenity marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Cocochanel rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 13, 2013 Donna South rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 10, 2013 Kelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 07, 2013 Ashlee added it

May 05, 2013 Zinger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, book-novella, book-series, genre-fantasy, pov-3rd, species-angels-demons-gods, theme-magic-users, theme-time-travel

May 04, 2013 Kyllian added it

Shelves: 2013

May 03, 2013 Mtsnow13 marked it as to-read

May 02, 2013 J.c. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, funny, own-it, mm-romance, third-person-pov, favez

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“No matter how bad he felt, there was nothing to be done about it. He had made hard and even cruel choices, but in the end they were the ones he knew were right. There was no use in regretting them.” — 3 people liked it

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