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The Steward Saga #1
Rift in the Deep
A darkness lurks beneath the surface, brooding, waiting. The Deep writhes in currents of power, holding the Rift at bay. But the Stewards, accessors of the Deep, have not walked the Lands in three hundred years. Their legend lives on, but it is just that. Legend. No one living remembers. And the witches wait for their return, when all four Stewards can unite to bring about the downfall of the Rift.
Brate Hightower knows of such legends, but it has little to do with his daily life. He toils on his farm, alone and wondering when he will be able to travel to the Forest City and sing in the halls of the Triumphant King. Malok Mountain Keeper lives in isolation, studying as an acolyte and longing for the day he can become a Brother and spend the rest of his life gleaning as much knowledge as he can. Graissa del’Blyth lives in discontent amongst the wealthy, longing for a life of purpose and justice. Priva Car’abel is a bladeweilder, at the beck and call of the Flatland King and searching for a missing Princess. All of their lives change in an instant, and none of them can predict where their paths lead. Will they step up to the challenge and embrace their destiny? Or will the lure of power or the challenge of a new, rising foe be their undoing?
The sphere hangs in the balance. They must succeed, or all will be lost in darkness and shadow. And if they are to embrace the call, they will need the help of the Covenwitches.
Brate Hightower knows of such legends, but it has little to do with his daily life. He toils on his farm, alone and wondering when he will be able to travel to the Forest City and sing in the halls of the Triumphant King. Malok Mountain Keeper lives in isolation, studying as an acolyte and longing for the day he can become a Brother and spend the rest of his life gleaning as much knowledge as he can. Graissa del’Blyth lives in discontent amongst the wealthy, longing for a life of purpose and justice. Priva Car’abel is a bladeweilder, at the beck and call of the Flatland King and searching for a missing Princess. All of their lives change in an instant, and none of them can predict where their paths lead. Will they step up to the challenge and embrace their destiny? Or will the lure of power or the challenge of a new, rising foe be their undoing?
The sphere hangs in the balance. They must succeed, or all will be lost in darkness and shadow. And if they are to embrace the call, they will need the help of the Covenwitches.
- GenresFantasy
512 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2018
31 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 29, 2018
*This is one of my #SPFBO books for this year*
I picked this one up hoping for a solid epic fantasy and it's definitely got many of the elements I like to see in fantasy. We follow many different viewpoints and we get to see quite a lot of magic through the whole book too from dark eerie places down to magical creatures, witches, and people with powers they don't yet understand. I found that many of the magical moments were brutal or dark, but I liked them.
The major characters include Grate, a boy who doesn't know how much power he holds. Malok, a boy who has a lot to offer of only he can survive a sure slaughter. Grassia who has dreams she's not yet sure about and Priva Car'abel who is the man she dreams of.
In this world there is the Deep and the Rift which seems to be opening to evil once more. The evil has been a long time coming, and there is a prophecy that many young people will be needed as the Bender and the Reader etc. to fight together and defeat the evil Liar once and for all. But just who are these people? And can they be found in time?
I liked the story on the whole although it was a bit confusing at first and seemed to take a while to get going. I also felt like some areas were a bit over-descriptive and I would have liked a little more characterisation than detail-oriented description every now and then. It's not bad, but it could be tightened up I think and it would read a little better and more pace-y.
Overall I gave it 3*s which is 6/10 for #SPFBO as it had lots of potential and good moments but I think it needs a bit of refining.
I picked this one up hoping for a solid epic fantasy and it's definitely got many of the elements I like to see in fantasy. We follow many different viewpoints and we get to see quite a lot of magic through the whole book too from dark eerie places down to magical creatures, witches, and people with powers they don't yet understand. I found that many of the magical moments were brutal or dark, but I liked them.
The major characters include Grate, a boy who doesn't know how much power he holds. Malok, a boy who has a lot to offer of only he can survive a sure slaughter. Grassia who has dreams she's not yet sure about and Priva Car'abel who is the man she dreams of.
In this world there is the Deep and the Rift which seems to be opening to evil once more. The evil has been a long time coming, and there is a prophecy that many young people will be needed as the Bender and the Reader etc. to fight together and defeat the evil Liar once and for all. But just who are these people? And can they be found in time?
I liked the story on the whole although it was a bit confusing at first and seemed to take a while to get going. I also felt like some areas were a bit over-descriptive and I would have liked a little more characterisation than detail-oriented description every now and then. It's not bad, but it could be tightened up I think and it would read a little better and more pace-y.
Overall I gave it 3*s which is 6/10 for #SPFBO as it had lots of potential and good moments but I think it needs a bit of refining.
December 23, 2018
Rift in the Deep is a great read! Very impressive writing style that keeps the attention of the reader whilst grasping them and bringing them front row into the action! The story line flows very smoothly as you are brought into multiple characters' views simultaneously. The different vantage points of the characters were vastly different, but lured you in; wanting to keep reading more and more. The cliff hanger at the end made me want to keep flipping for the next page, but alas, there was nothing there! I MUST read the second book.
Again, this is a must read! The author has done a marvelous job grasping the reader's attention and laying out an entertaining read.
Again, this is a must read! The author has done a marvelous job grasping the reader's attention and laying out an entertaining read.
March 13, 2018
I don't read a lot of epic fantasy. But I really enjoyed this book! It took a few chapters to understand what was going on and connect with the characters, but that is mostly because the scope of this big is very broad, and Garrett's main characters all start in different places.
I loved the layers of worldbuilding. The creatures were intriguing and scary. Chapter by chapter, Garrett builds a map in your head of the layout of the world without being overwhelming or confusing, which takes a great deal of skill.
The story was rich and complex with lots of fun fantasy elements and I never felt like anything was cliche or copycat-ish(a frequent complaint of mine against epic fantasy). Her world and characters are highly original.
It isn't necessarily an action-packed story (although there are plenty of heart-pounding scenes) but I was never bored for a second, and that says a great deal about the author's pacing.
Finally, the Christian elements were woven with subtle skill that I rarely see in Christian fiction. I had an "aha" moment in the final scene about where the series may be going and it got me really excited for the next book. This is clearly just the beginning, and I can't wait to see Garrett's creative vision for the series.
I loved the layers of worldbuilding. The creatures were intriguing and scary. Chapter by chapter, Garrett builds a map in your head of the layout of the world without being overwhelming or confusing, which takes a great deal of skill.
The story was rich and complex with lots of fun fantasy elements and I never felt like anything was cliche or copycat-ish(a frequent complaint of mine against epic fantasy). Her world and characters are highly original.
It isn't necessarily an action-packed story (although there are plenty of heart-pounding scenes) but I was never bored for a second, and that says a great deal about the author's pacing.
Finally, the Christian elements were woven with subtle skill that I rarely see in Christian fiction. I had an "aha" moment in the final scene about where the series may be going and it got me really excited for the next book. This is clearly just the beginning, and I can't wait to see Garrett's creative vision for the series.
November 20, 2019
Yes, I’m reviewing my own book. But honestly, I love that Goodreads allows for this. Because I can give a little insight into how this series came to be.
I had knee surgery in August of 2016. I was bed-bound for 12 weeks, and with two autistic sons, ages 3 and almost 2 at the time, it was a very difficult season.
I had set my writing aside so I could get my nursing degree, and then as most writers can attest, life continuously got in the way. I got married, had kids, worked 12 hour shifts, and figured I’d probably never get back to writing. At least, not until the kids were a good deal older.
Priva had other plans. It all started with him. I was laying in bed a few days after surgery, generally feeling sorry for myself, when he edged into my mind. He was in the Dreadwood, and someone was talking to him in his head. A woman. And he was super confused by it. I’m not sure what he thought I could do about it, but it got me thinking. Did he want his story told?
So I began writing. And four weeks later, the first draft of this story sat staring at me from my laptop. Of course, Priva is only a part of the story. But he led me to a whole new world, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
I had knee surgery in August of 2016. I was bed-bound for 12 weeks, and with two autistic sons, ages 3 and almost 2 at the time, it was a very difficult season.
I had set my writing aside so I could get my nursing degree, and then as most writers can attest, life continuously got in the way. I got married, had kids, worked 12 hour shifts, and figured I’d probably never get back to writing. At least, not until the kids were a good deal older.
Priva had other plans. It all started with him. I was laying in bed a few days after surgery, generally feeling sorry for myself, when he edged into my mind. He was in the Dreadwood, and someone was talking to him in his head. A woman. And he was super confused by it. I’m not sure what he thought I could do about it, but it got me thinking. Did he want his story told?
So I began writing. And four weeks later, the first draft of this story sat staring at me from my laptop. Of course, Priva is only a part of the story. But he led me to a whole new world, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
October 22, 2019
If you like fantasy novels where an incredible new world emerges – literally – in front of your eyes, then Rift in the Deep is for you. Seven lands, and their destinies have started to weave slowly together while, at the same time, the lives of the protagonists are taking a sudden turn. A warrior lost in a forest, uncertain about the meaning of the task that led him there; a young wealthy girl running away from home, running away from the beliefs and ideas of her society; a musician chased by monsters – including those inside him; a monk that must decide, what is truth and what is falsity. And around them a land still unaware of the opening rift that might soon swallow it. This book completely captured me. It has depth, complexity, mystery - thrilling moments and moving moments. It is the first in a series, and I am glad I discovered it because, well, I love series the most. I am reading the second now!
March 13, 2019
I have to get this saga
The concept of this book is unique which makes it interesting from the start. It skips from one character to the next but is easy to follow. At the end of each character's section I was excited and ready to read more on the character but the next part was a different character and again and again I was excited about what happened next for each new character. The flow of the story was interesting since it was told from the point of view of each main character. I know I've gone on and on about the characters, but, they are just that interesting. Have a wonderful read!
The concept of this book is unique which makes it interesting from the start. It skips from one character to the next but is easy to follow. At the end of each character's section I was excited and ready to read more on the character but the next part was a different character and again and again I was excited about what happened next for each new character. The flow of the story was interesting since it was told from the point of view of each main character. I know I've gone on and on about the characters, but, they are just that interesting. Have a wonderful read!
December 3, 2018
Great story! RTC!
December 26, 2018
Great read
This was an interesting book that kept me wanting to know what’s next. I strongly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
This was an interesting book that kept me wanting to know what’s next. I strongly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
October 3, 2018
I don't normally read this type of genre but was intrigued to do so. I'm certainly not disappointed at taking that chance! The book draws you in immediately and the author does a fantastic job of making the main characters, Braite and Graissa. come to life. I was hooked right away and couldn't put it down!
November 21, 2018
Lots of amazing characters to keep up with. Interesting fantasy world of good witches, warlocks, demons, and more. All headed toward getting the Steward born together to save the world. Ready to read next book!
April 22, 2019
pooled ink Reviews:
3.5 Stars
Rift in the Deep both resurrects classic high fantasy elements and ignites its story with a vivid uniqueness that is telling of the author’s imagination. Lengthy but alluring this tale is filled with dark creatures, power untold, curious characters, and a flow to its telling that will sweep you away through time. A definite contender for fantasy fans indeed.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/04/22/rift...
3.5 Stars
Rift in the Deep both resurrects classic high fantasy elements and ignites its story with a vivid uniqueness that is telling of the author’s imagination. Lengthy but alluring this tale is filled with dark creatures, power untold, curious characters, and a flow to its telling that will sweep you away through time. A definite contender for fantasy fans indeed.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/04/22/rift...
January 6, 2020
Rift in the Deep: Part 1 of the Steward Saga, my fourth read from author Janelle Garrett. An outstanding, highly detailed work is reminiscent of the works of Robert Jordan. In fact, it's so detailed that the first 40 pages of this 500-page work were devoted to introducing characters, races & lands to be encountered in the book. I look forward to the next read from her. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 21, 2019
Ok, only downside of this book was its short length for me. Until I realized, thanks to the author, that I have only preview in my reader instead of the full book :)
Its maybe first book I red where I'm not constantly unhappy that story moves to different character. Every point of view is interesting and I'm really enjoying that you see through eyes of one of main characters interacting with some other person and in couple pages you follow that other character.
Anyway, great story, great characters, I'm rushing to second book :)
Is it only my feeling or it was really short? Its hard to tell as all my books are 100 % long but I was done with this too fast. Now I'm afraid it was only demo version :)
Its maybe first book I red where I'm not constantly unhappy that story moves to different character. Every point of view is interesting and I'm really enjoying that you see through eyes of one of main characters interacting with some other person and in couple pages you follow that other character.
Anyway, great story, great characters, I'm rushing to second book :)
November 6, 2018
There was so much to enjoy in this book! The world is complex and well-established. I love worlds that feel as diverse and full of history as our own, and Garrett masterfully balanced a wide variety of cultures and geography in Rift in the Deep.
The characters were all unique and full of complexity. This is an impressive feat in a book with multiple narrators, all of whom seem like the main characters of their own stories. Even secondary characters have pasts, beliefs, and motivations that are different from other characters.
Garrett masterfully balances the multiple narrators, too. I never felt like I'd been with or away from one character for too long. She also used this technique to create great suspense. I was curious throughout the whole book and compelled to read on.
There are only a couple things I wish were different, and these are mostly based on preferences as an author myself. I know this book is the first in a series, and as such would inevitably have unresolved questions to draw us to read the next. Unfortunately, I felt that a little too much was left unresolved, so that from a narrative standpoint it felt like the book lacked an ending. There were also reoccurring grammatical errors, a personal pet peeve as a grammar teacher--though these did get better as the book progressed.
Those weren't enough to keep me from enjoying this book. I look forward to seeing more of this world and these characters, and am curious about where Garrett will take the story. I recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, diverse cultures, and a rich and large characters.
The characters were all unique and full of complexity. This is an impressive feat in a book with multiple narrators, all of whom seem like the main characters of their own stories. Even secondary characters have pasts, beliefs, and motivations that are different from other characters.
Garrett masterfully balances the multiple narrators, too. I never felt like I'd been with or away from one character for too long. She also used this technique to create great suspense. I was curious throughout the whole book and compelled to read on.
There are only a couple things I wish were different, and these are mostly based on preferences as an author myself. I know this book is the first in a series, and as such would inevitably have unresolved questions to draw us to read the next. Unfortunately, I felt that a little too much was left unresolved, so that from a narrative standpoint it felt like the book lacked an ending. There were also reoccurring grammatical errors, a personal pet peeve as a grammar teacher--though these did get better as the book progressed.
Those weren't enough to keep me from enjoying this book. I look forward to seeing more of this world and these characters, and am curious about where Garrett will take the story. I recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, diverse cultures, and a rich and large characters.
September 5, 2019
This is a new genre for me and I am glad I started with this book. There are 4 heroes emerging to save everyone. The only problem is these heroes don't know they are supposed to save the world. It took a few chapters to start to understand what was going on but from then on your are hooked. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and watch how they come into learning about their powers and what they must do. It was a fabulous read.
July 27, 2018
A Coven of witches are tasked with gathering together four prophesied Stewards--People born with complimentary gifts that could potentially heal the Rift (an opening through which evil leeches) in the Deep (the power of all life) in their world
Garrett creates four distinct characters, each who leave behind a life and begin a journey with their assigned Covenwitch. Along the way, the characters encounter external and internal challenges that hamper their progress, and make it difficult for the witches to gather the four together at the Coven lodge to begin their training--A mad-king Warlock who has his own agenda to stop them, the witch-vow to not harm others, the addictive draw of the Deep, and the release of beasts from the Rift.
Garret succeeded in making me care about the characters, drew me into her world, engaged my interest in the creatures, and spooked me a bit with descriptions of the beasts. The King is definitely a chilling villain and the Covenwitches worthy of cheering on.
If you enjoy Epic Fantasy, Rift in the Deep is worth the read.
Garrett creates four distinct characters, each who leave behind a life and begin a journey with their assigned Covenwitch. Along the way, the characters encounter external and internal challenges that hamper their progress, and make it difficult for the witches to gather the four together at the Coven lodge to begin their training--A mad-king Warlock who has his own agenda to stop them, the witch-vow to not harm others, the addictive draw of the Deep, and the release of beasts from the Rift.
Garret succeeded in making me care about the characters, drew me into her world, engaged my interest in the creatures, and spooked me a bit with descriptions of the beasts. The King is definitely a chilling villain and the Covenwitches worthy of cheering on.
If you enjoy Epic Fantasy, Rift in the Deep is worth the read.
December 4, 2018
Wow! What a journey that was...and with many winding roads. I'm not a regular Fantasy genre reader, but I've got to say that I will be with this series of books. The author does a wonderful job weaving together an intricate plot line with very interesting characters, all while somehow keeping the story cohesive throughout. This is a book with which you have to remain engaged, but one in which the author, with compellingly vivid scenery and excellent story-telling, helps her readers to do. Oh...and don't forget to pay attention to what she's saying "behind the scenes." In fact, this is what keeps me excited to finish the series.
June 20, 2018
Really enjoyed the story. Fabulous fantasy read. It took me a few chapters to get it straight what was going on. Once most everyone was introduced I really got into . Lots of questions by the end that make me want to eagerly read the next book. The Biblical foundation is there but subtly and wonderfully worked in.
August 19, 2018
This book was amazing. I couldn’t believe the twist and turns. There are more than one story being told in this book and I love how they all blend in. If you like adventures and mystery this is the book for you. The story started off full of drama, but it started to slow down for me. It makes you curious the whole way through, but it keeps you wondering and interested. All the characters were unique and I love what they each brought to this story. If I had to rate this book I would rate it 4/ 5 stars. It is well written and the plot blends together and it is absolutely fascinating. I loved it and can’t wait to read book 2. Awesome job Janelle Garrett you have a fan!
March 1, 2018
Janelle Garrett masterfully draws you into the story with amazing characters, perfect pacing, and inventive fantasy elements that I haven't seen yet in any other work. Through the book, she explores many themes and addresses a lot of topics, but never at the expense of the story. And the story is great! At times heart-rending, at others uplifting, it carries you through a masterfully built fantasy world full of monsters, forest kingdoms, magic, complex heroes, and masterfully portrayed villains. It is everything you could want in a fantasy book, and more.
February 22, 2019
If you don't mind witches and warlocks being heroes you will like this book (and thus four stars instead of five.) Janelle has done a great job of world building and crafted an excellent story. It takes a few chapters for the story to flow since the characters start in different places, but once you get a ways in, the story will carry you. Don't skip the introduction or any of the first chapters. Just let the story build. You will be invested in the well developed characters cheering them on. Imaginative problems as well as evil antagonists face the heroes as they find out about powers they never knew they had. Pages turn faster and faster as the story moves to a climax.
October 4, 2023
First off, I do *not* recommend the audio version for Rift in the Deep by Jeanelle Garrett. While the narrator is just fine for narration, his female voices are really bad. I immediately disliked almost all women in this book, just due to the whiny and annoying tone the narrator gave them. It was hard work to remind me that's not the actual characters voice, but a narrator who's not good at that particular bit.
It was my first book by the author, but I've seen in other reviews that there's apparently recurring cultures and people from an earlier series, so maybe if you read those first you'd get more out of the story than starting here. As is, I found there was a bit of a lack of depth. Yes, there's quite a lot of description, but it feels more like a backdrop, than a world you can fully walk into when reading. Don't get me wrong, it was an interesting world and story, or I'd not have finished it, it just never really delivered on all its promise for me.
The same goes for the characters, while I did care what happened to them, here and there their motivations and agency seemed a bit skin deep instead of fully coming to life for me.
There's no real conclusion here, it feels more like a break between scenes, than the end of one book.
Despite all these niggles I still enjoyed the read and happily explored this new world.
It was my first book by the author, but I've seen in other reviews that there's apparently recurring cultures and people from an earlier series, so maybe if you read those first you'd get more out of the story than starting here. As is, I found there was a bit of a lack of depth. Yes, there's quite a lot of description, but it feels more like a backdrop, than a world you can fully walk into when reading. Don't get me wrong, it was an interesting world and story, or I'd not have finished it, it just never really delivered on all its promise for me.
The same goes for the characters, while I did care what happened to them, here and there their motivations and agency seemed a bit skin deep instead of fully coming to life for me.
There's no real conclusion here, it feels more like a break between scenes, than the end of one book.
Despite all these niggles I still enjoyed the read and happily explored this new world.
November 2, 2018
Brilliant! I've read the entire series now and I always treasure this 1st book for setting the stage for such an incredible saga!
Fantasy lovers must read this!
Fantasy lovers must read this!
June 11, 2018
From the imagination of Janelle Garrett springs forth this epic high fantasy of a novel. There's something that'll appeal to a bit of everyone in this story - with epic adventures full of suspense and intrigue, this is certainly quite the debut.
Each character in the book is very well drawn-out and described, and Garrett has definitely created a very vast and diverse world full of fantasy for them to live in. There are a number of main characters in this novel, with the perspectives switching from different characters with each chapter (and in a number of cases, in between chapters). Thankfully, just whose perspective we're reading is noted at the top of each first-person limited narration, so that makes it a bit easier to keep track of things. Though, I'll go ahead and say that if you're looking for a fast read, this isn't the book for you (and not just for the page count and/or the fact that it has a sequel). If you read too quickly and don't actually take time to digest the information and get to know the characters, it'll be very easy to mix them up and get very confused while reading the rest of the novel, since many of them are introduced pretty close to the beginning. One good example of this is the fact that the character Natashia is nicknamed "Shia" in parts, and I had to reread a few paragraphs before I realized that they were in fact the same woman when I originally thought they were two different characters.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the story, though, is the world itself. Many cultures and people are represented, to the point that Garrett even notes how characters age in different measures depending upon it (for example, a number of characters state their names in "Winters" while others do in "years"). The locations are richly detailed, making it easy for me to imagine everything that was going on as if I were watching a movie. From Priva's encounter with a mysterious creature at the well, to Brate's first meeting with Aniya and beyond, I could see it all. I could go on about this, but I don't want to say too much for the sake of giving spoilers. But I must say, Garrett did a fantastic job in this department.
On another note, while never coming across as "preachy", it's easy to see a few parallels to the Christian faith while reading this book - especially so in the subplot regarding how the first man and woman were created by "the Truth" deceived by "the Liar", making it very similar to the story of Adam and Eve. This is something that people of faith might enjoy about the story, but even if you don't believe (or care one way or another), it's still possible to enjoy the story itself.
If you liked Narnia or LOTR, "A Rift in the Deep" would definitely be worth checking out. It has several of the same elements as the aforementioned books, though the history of the land is fully different, giving us a fresh and new look at a familiar and timeless genre. It's a good high fantasy debut, and I'm definitely eager to see where this story will go in the second book!
Each character in the book is very well drawn-out and described, and Garrett has definitely created a very vast and diverse world full of fantasy for them to live in. There are a number of main characters in this novel, with the perspectives switching from different characters with each chapter (and in a number of cases, in between chapters). Thankfully, just whose perspective we're reading is noted at the top of each first-person limited narration, so that makes it a bit easier to keep track of things. Though, I'll go ahead and say that if you're looking for a fast read, this isn't the book for you (and not just for the page count and/or the fact that it has a sequel). If you read too quickly and don't actually take time to digest the information and get to know the characters, it'll be very easy to mix them up and get very confused while reading the rest of the novel, since many of them are introduced pretty close to the beginning. One good example of this is the fact that the character Natashia is nicknamed "Shia" in parts, and I had to reread a few paragraphs before I realized that they were in fact the same woman when I originally thought they were two different characters.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the story, though, is the world itself. Many cultures and people are represented, to the point that Garrett even notes how characters age in different measures depending upon it (for example, a number of characters state their names in "Winters" while others do in "years"). The locations are richly detailed, making it easy for me to imagine everything that was going on as if I were watching a movie. From Priva's encounter with a mysterious creature at the well, to Brate's first meeting with Aniya and beyond, I could see it all. I could go on about this, but I don't want to say too much for the sake of giving spoilers. But I must say, Garrett did a fantastic job in this department.
On another note, while never coming across as "preachy", it's easy to see a few parallels to the Christian faith while reading this book - especially so in the subplot regarding how the first man and woman were created by "the Truth" deceived by "the Liar", making it very similar to the story of Adam and Eve. This is something that people of faith might enjoy about the story, but even if you don't believe (or care one way or another), it's still possible to enjoy the story itself.
If you liked Narnia or LOTR, "A Rift in the Deep" would definitely be worth checking out. It has several of the same elements as the aforementioned books, though the history of the land is fully different, giving us a fresh and new look at a familiar and timeless genre. It's a good high fantasy debut, and I'm definitely eager to see where this story will go in the second book!
October 1, 2018
First off, I received a copy of this free. All opinions are my own. But I'm glad I volunteered to read it! I really enjoyed this epic fantasy story. The only problem I had with the book is also something that I liked: the cycling through the different parties. I think the author, Janelle Garrett, could have spent a bit longer with each group at the beginning so the reader could get a solid attachment to the characters and not be quite so confused with who they were when you didn't see them again for another four or so chapters.
Once I had a firm grasp on who was who, and who was with which group, I really got into the story. A beautiful, rich world full of social classes, new creatures, and deep politics emerged. Traversing the different nations in pursuit of the prophecy's chosen allowed you to see the terrain of the world up close. Add in a rich cast of characters--both main and those lurking in the shadows-- and this book leaves you hungry for the next one. Which is good, since this is not a stand alone book.
So hang in there with it! Don't give up--I'm sure you'll appreciate this book if you give it a chance. I did. And I will be reading more by Janelle Garrett.
Once I had a firm grasp on who was who, and who was with which group, I really got into the story. A beautiful, rich world full of social classes, new creatures, and deep politics emerged. Traversing the different nations in pursuit of the prophecy's chosen allowed you to see the terrain of the world up close. Add in a rich cast of characters--both main and those lurking in the shadows-- and this book leaves you hungry for the next one. Which is good, since this is not a stand alone book.
So hang in there with it! Don't give up--I'm sure you'll appreciate this book if you give it a chance. I did. And I will be reading more by Janelle Garrett.
August 28, 2018
First off, the story was engaging and nothing really threw me out of the story. If you’re looking for a fun read, this is definitely it!
That aside, the writing could have used some further editing (a lot of emotions “shafted through” people); and the plotting/pacing was a little off. I didn’t get the sense of an arc - just that the author wrote along until a kind of climactic scene happened, and then ended the book.
But the characters were each unique and well-written, each had their own motivations and personalities, and were definitely believable.
I’ll definitely be picking up book two of this series, and looking forward to it!
That aside, the writing could have used some further editing (a lot of emotions “shafted through” people); and the plotting/pacing was a little off. I didn’t get the sense of an arc - just that the author wrote along until a kind of climactic scene happened, and then ended the book.
But the characters were each unique and well-written, each had their own motivations and personalities, and were definitely believable.
I’ll definitely be picking up book two of this series, and looking forward to it!
January 18, 2019
This book is written with a passion that is rare to find nowadays. It is masterfully crafted and is a fairly long read. This is one of the best books by this author.
The protagonist and all the other characters in the book are three dimensional and well thought out. They are well groomed with interesting thoughts and emotions. The detail with which the book has been written is simply mind blowing.
Very few writers have as good a hold on fantasy as this author does. She has used delightfully complex plots that at first might seem simple. Written with depth, this book is unputdownable. You will stay glued to the book until you know what happens next.
Reading this book was like a journey, an experience in itself. If you are a fantasy lover you should definitely give it a go.
The protagonist and all the other characters in the book are three dimensional and well thought out. They are well groomed with interesting thoughts and emotions. The detail with which the book has been written is simply mind blowing.
Very few writers have as good a hold on fantasy as this author does. She has used delightfully complex plots that at first might seem simple. Written with depth, this book is unputdownable. You will stay glued to the book until you know what happens next.
Reading this book was like a journey, an experience in itself. If you are a fantasy lover you should definitely give it a go.
June 27, 2018
Once I got into the book, I was truly hooked and quite pleased that this will be a fantasy series. Though there are several important main characters, they all successfully intertwine to create an incredible fantasy world populated by well-fleshed out characters. The world-building is wonderful, and enables the different aspects of the main characters lives’ to be enriched by our understanding of their personal ‘place’ in the sphere. The key storyline surrounds the ‘rift’ which is widening to release evil beings. My two favorite characters were Graissa, the discontented rich girl, and Brate, the simple farm laborer with the beautiful voice, who has no idea about his true power. A must read!
December 31, 2018
This is a great adventure story. A well paced novel covering multiple themes, that keep readers guessing right up to the last pages. The ending of this book is more than enough to leave you hanging-and anxiously waiting to read the next books. I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of action and adventure. Great read!
January 17, 2019
good reading . It appears that different individual possess different hidden talents which may help the land but if appears that they may have to come together at some time. Am hoping to be able to read the futher adventures of each.
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