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The Rift Chronicles #2
War Song
My name is Danica James. I'm a cop with the Arcane Division.
My job is to protect humanity from monsters - whether they be human or creatures from the Rift. It beats sitting in a factory cubical all day, which is where magiteks usually work.
Most of humanity hates the magic users who rule the world, but the Magi stand between humans and the creatures who came across the Rift. For a hundred years, the Magi have kept the demons, vampires, and other monsters in check. But now one Magi Family has allied itself with the demons in a bid for world domination.
It was ugly before, but now it's getting worse.
My job is to protect humanity from monsters - whether they be human or creatures from the Rift. It beats sitting in a factory cubical all day, which is where magiteks usually work.
Most of humanity hates the magic users who rule the world, but the Magi stand between humans and the creatures who came across the Rift. For a hundred years, the Magi have kept the demons, vampires, and other monsters in check. But now one Magi Family has allied itself with the demons in a bid for world domination.
It was ugly before, but now it's getting worse.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2020
559 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
42 books951 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
January 27, 2021
This is second in an Urban Fantasy series with plot and character arcs that build over time. Read them in order.
So you know mostly what you'll find from having read the first. This one is a little broader because Danica gains some traction as one of the leaders in the kinetic action (minor war) that was started in the first. So we get weeks that go by without a ton of detail, skipping to the next new plot bits. This is well-done so that's not a complaint at all. I like the broader view of developing events, and since Danica is still hands-on, we still get the great actiony scenes as well. Well-done or not, it wasn't as engaging as it could have been had things stayed more on a personal level.
Relationships progress in this one and I liked that, too. Her relationship with the yummy Aleks is similarly broad-strokes, but then, it doesn't need a ton of detail. It does mean that this doesn't function at all as a romance but I hadn't been looking for that so that's okay.
So this comes in at a solid four stars. It would probably have been more engaging with a more personal focus on Danica but there's no way that could have happened with this story. So that's not a judgement of quality, just of personal enjoyment.
A note about Chaste: Danica and Aleks are definitely getting it on and their relationship is sexual in nature. But it isn't explicit at all. So I consider this pretty chaste, but others might disagree.
So you know mostly what you'll find from having read the first. This one is a little broader because Danica gains some traction as one of the leaders in the kinetic action (minor war) that was started in the first. So we get weeks that go by without a ton of detail, skipping to the next new plot bits. This is well-done so that's not a complaint at all. I like the broader view of developing events, and since Danica is still hands-on, we still get the great actiony scenes as well. Well-done or not, it wasn't as engaging as it could have been had things stayed more on a personal level.
Relationships progress in this one and I liked that, too. Her relationship with the yummy Aleks is similarly broad-strokes, but then, it doesn't need a ton of detail. It does mean that this doesn't function at all as a romance but I hadn't been looking for that so that's okay.
So this comes in at a solid four stars. It would probably have been more engaging with a more personal focus on Danica but there's no way that could have happened with this story. So that's not a judgement of quality, just of personal enjoyment.
A note about Chaste: Danica and Aleks are definitely getting it on and their relationship is sexual in nature. But it isn't explicit at all. So I consider this pretty chaste, but others might disagree.
November 20, 2021
I've tried a couple series by this author, but always struggle to connect to it. Honestly, I feel like this doesn't read like a book, it reads like someone summarizing some events that happened. There's no emotional connection to the characters or the plot. And things happen and are done in like two pages. It's like a report, instead of a book.
The core ideas are fun. The plot is interesting. But there's no connection.
I'll finish the next book, because it's the last of the trilogy. But this will probably be my last attempt with this author.
The core ideas are fun. The plot is interesting. But there's no connection.
I'll finish the next book, because it's the last of the trilogy. But this will probably be my last attempt with this author.
November 13, 2022
Lots of action, lots of fun! It’s really short on character development (good grief, could we get any more scarce on Aleks?!?) but if one is just looking for a great overall story, this one works just fine.
June 1, 2021
I really didn't vibe with the writing style. It felt like someone was recapping a story instead of me reading one. Like there was a level of disconnect from the story. I also didn't see the romance. I get this wasn't a romance, but that relationship wasn't established at all. Just one day they are dating.
March 8, 2023
2023 bk 77. The end of the Rift Chronicles as Danica and her compadres seek to shut down the evil members of her family. It was okay - but wasn't as strong as the first book in the series.
June 7, 2022
While the overall plot is pretty interesting and filled with action, I'm seeing the same issues of badly truncated chapter breaks that don't make much sense from a writing perspective. The characters will be in the middle of a conversation, and then the chapter abruptly ends, and the next chapter opens with Danica suddenly somewhere else doing something else instead. I'm glad to see some romance for Danica finally occurring in this book, but overall character development is still pretty lackluster. Lots of characters are continually introduced without much background. The bad characters are repeatedly defeated and offed in short unsatisfactory scenes.
It was an entertaining story, but it's a 3-star for me because this book isn't something I'd choose to pull for a re-read unless I was really out of books to choose from. This book ended on a cliffhanger foreshadowing a book about demons and her father next. Based on reviews for the last book, I don't think I'll bother finishing the series due to the dry writing, and I think I'll avoid this author in the future.
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Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Magitek: ★★★★☆
#2 War Song (this book): ★★★☆☆
It was an entertaining story, but it's a 3-star for me because this book isn't something I'd choose to pull for a re-read unless I was really out of books to choose from. This book ended on a cliffhanger foreshadowing a book about demons and her father next. Based on reviews for the last book, I don't think I'll bother finishing the series due to the dry writing, and I think I'll avoid this author in the future.
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Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Magitek: ★★★★☆
#2 War Song (this book): ★★★☆☆
January 9, 2021
The more I read by BR Kingsolver, the more confused I am.
The ideas are amazing. The world building and character dynamics are clearly visualized/mapped out pre-writing. The action is nonstop and logically flows from sequence to sequence.
And yet.
I have zero emotional engagement in any of her series, and zero connection to the characters. This series reads more like a newspaper article in the first person — it tells you what is happening from the perspective of the lead, but fails to make the characters or the story come alive.
The author needs a few lessons in “show, don’t tell”, I think, and then more focus on those ‘small’ moments. The minor aspects that maybe don’t add to the action, but that do add exponentially to the character depth.
I won’t read more of this series, which is too bad because the ideas are amazing. But I finished the Rosie O’Grady series which for me went from 5 stars in Book 1 to an upsetting 1.5 stars for Book 5, and I feel this series is following the same trend.
The ideas are amazing. The world building and character dynamics are clearly visualized/mapped out pre-writing. The action is nonstop and logically flows from sequence to sequence.
And yet.
I have zero emotional engagement in any of her series, and zero connection to the characters. This series reads more like a newspaper article in the first person — it tells you what is happening from the perspective of the lead, but fails to make the characters or the story come alive.
The author needs a few lessons in “show, don’t tell”, I think, and then more focus on those ‘small’ moments. The minor aspects that maybe don’t add to the action, but that do add exponentially to the character depth.
I won’t read more of this series, which is too bad because the ideas are amazing. But I finished the Rosie O’Grady series which for me went from 5 stars in Book 1 to an upsetting 1.5 stars for Book 5, and I feel this series is following the same trend.
March 17, 2021
I like this author, overall. I really liked the first book in this series and eagerly snapped up book 2. If you notice, I started this in Dec 23 of 2020 and just finished it Mar 16 2021. That’s a pretty good indicator of this book. Long, drawn out, and hard to get into. It was repetitive and very formulaic. It felt like every chapter was, “I went out, I kicked butt, I did stuff, I went home, I had a date, some clothing monologue. Repeat.” I just skimmed the last 50% of the book because I was honestly too tired of this never ending story.
April 1, 2021
War Song, book 2 of the Rift Chronicles, is an ebook I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. I love these characters and the whole concept of Magitek. The storyline took a few unexpected twists and I enjoyed every surprise and reveal. Excellent characters, strong world-building, fast pacing, and wonderful relationship building between characters. Nice undertones with politics and society issues.
October 1, 2021
Intense action
Really great book. Picked up the first in the series after seeing a snippet on Facebook, and thoroughly enjoyed Dani and friends, and their adventures. Interesting world building and magic, well developed characters, and loads of action, magic and intrigue. Looking forward to the next in the series
Really great book. Picked up the first in the series after seeing a snippet on Facebook, and thoroughly enjoyed Dani and friends, and their adventures. Interesting world building and magic, well developed characters, and loads of action, magic and intrigue. Looking forward to the next in the series
December 14, 2020
Could I have been happier with this book?
Well, this was the second book in the Rift Chronicles, and it did an excellent job of developing the characters and the world.
So here’s one run on sentence to summarize:
There is evil, there is good, intrigue, disguises, Dani gets a well deserved promotion, there are flying cars, and elves, and laser rifles, and prison breaks, and witches, and demons, and Danica has a fabulous boyfriend and Kirsten and Mychal are getting serious, and there’s a statue that’s definitely got a story.
I took several breaks while reading this because I simply didn’t want it to end. Definitely a 7 out of 5 :)
Well, this was the second book in the Rift Chronicles, and it did an excellent job of developing the characters and the world.
So here’s one run on sentence to summarize:
There is evil, there is good, intrigue, disguises, Dani gets a well deserved promotion, there are flying cars, and elves, and laser rifles, and prison breaks, and witches, and demons, and Danica has a fabulous boyfriend and Kirsten and Mychal are getting serious, and there’s a statue that’s definitely got a story.
I took several breaks while reading this because I simply didn’t want it to end. Definitely a 7 out of 5 :)
January 21, 2021
I enjoyed this story despite the author going over-the-top with the body count and a plot that at times is so improbable it’s almost ludicrous. (I wonder if the author ever counts the number of casualties in her books)
It’s a bit like reading a comic book in novel form, the story really doesn’t bear close examination, but it is fun.
It’s a bit like reading a comic book in novel form, the story really doesn’t bear close examination, but it is fun.
January 4, 2021
This is a high-octane read. Kingsolver has delivered action galore as this world erupts into war and street fighting between demons and mages are becoming commonplace. This definitely delivers a big punch.
October 1, 2021
Destruction of Palaces of Commerce was an opening volley so big few could spare brain cells to notice the step of the coup until a large chunk of the demon population flooded out of their hidey-holes, ready to help the mixed factions of mages and witches that expected to be the new worldwide regime.
Dangerous and convoluted fights taken over families and partnerships, including Dani and Mychal’s. Dani and Olivia are targets for control of their family but Dani does take time for a little romance as demon’s protest for rifter rights and attacks escalate. But the mages aren’t the only one’s with a plan that is set in this action-packed outing.
Rating: 4.5stars
Dangerous and convoluted fights taken over families and partnerships, including Dani and Mychal’s. Dani and Olivia are targets for control of their family but Dani does take time for a little romance as demon’s protest for rifter rights and attacks escalate. But the mages aren’t the only one’s with a plan that is set in this action-packed outing.
Rating: 4.5stars
December 26, 2020
Good, but
Very readable, a lot of action, a fascinating world, and a fast paced plot.
But...it’s so fast paced it feels barely in control. The MC is t really developed, just sprinting from one crisis or event to the next.
And I am still bothered by her geography. If sea levels have risen due to climate change (as stated in the novel) then the estuaries and waterfront property should have changed as well. Not to mention the nuclear devastation of DC. There shouldn’t *be* any crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Because the bay won’t be in the same place.
Very readable, a lot of action, a fascinating world, and a fast paced plot.
But...it’s so fast paced it feels barely in control. The MC is t really developed, just sprinting from one crisis or event to the next.
And I am still bothered by her geography. If sea levels have risen due to climate change (as stated in the novel) then the estuaries and waterfront property should have changed as well. Not to mention the nuclear devastation of DC. There shouldn’t *be* any crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Because the bay won’t be in the same place.
January 24, 2021
I’ve only recently discovered BR Kingsolver and found a new favorite. I’ve addictively read through all of her urban fantasies sci-fi series, as well as the only sci-fi story story of hers I could find (Border Patrol, in the Bellator collection). Here’s my review of all of them in one clump - the bottom line being that they are all easily 5 star books.
Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill Series
This was the first series by this author that I read, trying it in a whim as it was free on KU and looked like fun. Oh Dear Lord was it ever. Perfect world-building with Fae, elves, vampires, mages, et. al. Perfect backstory with the world’s best assassin (our lead) funding out that she’s been lied to most of her life by the Order of the Illuminati who are actually evil and not the force for good she thought, followed by her lopping off the top tier of the Order and ending up in hiding at the eponymous Rosie O'Grady's Bar and Grill. That’s the short version. The long one is much more complex and the series itself is filled with great plot lines and a perfect story arc (though each book stands alone sequentially, ie, the work fine and end well so long as you read them in order. Addictive fun and a perfect series ender.
The Telepathic Clans Saga
This was my second Kingsolver series. It evolves around telepathic clans (no shocker there) filled with people with different sets of telepathic “Gifts” (like mind shielding) made up of a series of “Talents” (different ways to do it). There are initially 25 known Gifts. At the top are the Succubi, all female, who have a series of Gifts including the Succubus Gift (drain energy from sex, etc). Known as Druids in the Irish clans, these ladies are bad-a**. The lead here is a Druid named Brenna, but she’s so much more. While the average telepath has only a few gifts, abs the extraordinary ones have 12-15 (Druids all have a base set of 8), Brenna has all of the gifts, unheard of. Anyway, she gets into a series of adventures with action, infra and inter-clan politics, and do much more. Incredible stuff really, all set in a world very different (but equally imaginative) as the prior series I’d read, and filled with a growing cast of perfectly crafted supporting characters. Once again you can read each book sequentially stand-alone, and they end with a perfect series ender.
Chameleon Assassin
I had initially avoided this series because I tend not to like a post-apocalypse setting. In this case the apocalypse in question (atomic wars leading to massive population loss and mutations) was so far in the past that society has more or less recovered and has now passed the pre-war tech levels. Our hero here, Libby, is the coolest kick-a** dame in fiction. An assassin and thief, among other things, who has two primary mutations: she’s a chameleon (she can look like anyone or pretty much blend into the background) plus a sort of electrokenisis, and a pretty fantastic set of physical skills (don’t mess with her in a fight) and computer hacking talents. Add in another perfect supporting cast and, well, just wow. I adored this series.
Dark Streets
This is the last of the series that I read, currently on book 2 (and ending with a perfectly good “Happily Enough For Now” though I’m drooling for the next book). It’s set in a world that’s very similar to that of The Telepathic Clans (though there are some differences - Washington DC is nuked in this one) but society is different as the Magi, who beat back (to a draw) the demons who invaded once rifts between worlds opened, now pretty much rule everything. Our lead here is another kick-a** dame, a police detective who is a magitek (a rare form of magic that enables one to do magic with machinery - including computers), potential heir to one of the Ten (the ten most powerful Magi clans who basically rule the world) but also the granddaughter of the man who accidentally opened the rifts and let all the monsters, demons and fantasy beings in. The perspective is very different, part gritty detective tale, part politics and warfare on the global scale, pure urban fantasy. Fantastic stuff, really.
Border Patrol (in the Bellator collection)
This was the only pure sci-fi story I’ve read by BR Kingsolver and was frustratingly perfect. Military sci-fi, the heroine here is the commander of an assault troop unit, it was an absolute total blast (and I’ve been reading this stuff since Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers was first published, so I should know). Perfect characters and storyline. The frustration is that while it ends in a very satisfying manner, I’m massively frustrated that this was only a short story. I’m truly hoping the author turns it into the first book in a new series.
Frankly, I’m hoping that BR Kingsolver expands every series she’s written, even though most have ended with great HEAs. That’s the sign, I know, of works that are fantastic and easy to highly recommend.
Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill Series
This was the first series by this author that I read, trying it in a whim as it was free on KU and looked like fun. Oh Dear Lord was it ever. Perfect world-building with Fae, elves, vampires, mages, et. al. Perfect backstory with the world’s best assassin (our lead) funding out that she’s been lied to most of her life by the Order of the Illuminati who are actually evil and not the force for good she thought, followed by her lopping off the top tier of the Order and ending up in hiding at the eponymous Rosie O'Grady's Bar and Grill. That’s the short version. The long one is much more complex and the series itself is filled with great plot lines and a perfect story arc (though each book stands alone sequentially, ie, the work fine and end well so long as you read them in order. Addictive fun and a perfect series ender.
The Telepathic Clans Saga
This was my second Kingsolver series. It evolves around telepathic clans (no shocker there) filled with people with different sets of telepathic “Gifts” (like mind shielding) made up of a series of “Talents” (different ways to do it). There are initially 25 known Gifts. At the top are the Succubi, all female, who have a series of Gifts including the Succubus Gift (drain energy from sex, etc). Known as Druids in the Irish clans, these ladies are bad-a**. The lead here is a Druid named Brenna, but she’s so much more. While the average telepath has only a few gifts, abs the extraordinary ones have 12-15 (Druids all have a base set of 8), Brenna has all of the gifts, unheard of. Anyway, she gets into a series of adventures with action, infra and inter-clan politics, and do much more. Incredible stuff really, all set in a world very different (but equally imaginative) as the prior series I’d read, and filled with a growing cast of perfectly crafted supporting characters. Once again you can read each book sequentially stand-alone, and they end with a perfect series ender.
Chameleon Assassin
I had initially avoided this series because I tend not to like a post-apocalypse setting. In this case the apocalypse in question (atomic wars leading to massive population loss and mutations) was so far in the past that society has more or less recovered and has now passed the pre-war tech levels. Our hero here, Libby, is the coolest kick-a** dame in fiction. An assassin and thief, among other things, who has two primary mutations: she’s a chameleon (she can look like anyone or pretty much blend into the background) plus a sort of electrokenisis, and a pretty fantastic set of physical skills (don’t mess with her in a fight) and computer hacking talents. Add in another perfect supporting cast and, well, just wow. I adored this series.
Dark Streets
This is the last of the series that I read, currently on book 2 (and ending with a perfectly good “Happily Enough For Now” though I’m drooling for the next book). It’s set in a world that’s very similar to that of The Telepathic Clans (though there are some differences - Washington DC is nuked in this one) but society is different as the Magi, who beat back (to a draw) the demons who invaded once rifts between worlds opened, now pretty much rule everything. Our lead here is another kick-a** dame, a police detective who is a magitek (a rare form of magic that enables one to do magic with machinery - including computers), potential heir to one of the Ten (the ten most powerful Magi clans who basically rule the world) but also the granddaughter of the man who accidentally opened the rifts and let all the monsters, demons and fantasy beings in. The perspective is very different, part gritty detective tale, part politics and warfare on the global scale, pure urban fantasy. Fantastic stuff, really.
Border Patrol (in the Bellator collection)
This was the only pure sci-fi story I’ve read by BR Kingsolver and was frustratingly perfect. Military sci-fi, the heroine here is the commander of an assault troop unit, it was an absolute total blast (and I’ve been reading this stuff since Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers was first published, so I should know). Perfect characters and storyline. The frustration is that while it ends in a very satisfying manner, I’m massively frustrated that this was only a short story. I’m truly hoping the author turns it into the first book in a new series.
Frankly, I’m hoping that BR Kingsolver expands every series she’s written, even though most have ended with great HEAs. That’s the sign, I know, of works that are fantastic and easy to highly recommend.
February 20, 2022
BR Kingslover has a habit of stacking events on top of eachother like a list (ie, this happened, then this happened, then that happened) without bothering to take the reader along for the journey. It almost feels like a draft they forgot to elaborate on? Idk some books it’s fine, others not so much.
What makes this book a 1 star though is how truly bizarre the society is built and where the FMC is in it. You have demons who are painted as animals with base instincts who live only to commit crimes.. yet they stage peaceful protests asking for rights?? I don’t get it. There is no “some demons are good, and some are bad” they are all bad and all to be feared in this book. They’re able to own businesses but are too stupid to wrap their heads around technology so they need to trust others to handle their affairs. The only work they’re in is running bars and nightclubs as well. Or they’re in street gangs, raping and killing and selling drugs.
Then there’s the upper echelons, which Dani is part of. She’s a cop, but admittedly the entire police structure is corrupt and the only way to advance is via nepotism. She whines about the 1% but does everything she can to keep them (and her family) on top while squishing the poor and desperate under their boots. She gladly uses the freedom to act outside the law that her position in the 1% allows (no rights, no lawyers, no police procedures) which I find kind of gross.
**** She legit arrested underprivileged kids trying to loot a convenience store then went back and robbed the same store herself stating “the food would probably spoil before the shop could open anyways” — how hypocritical and gross 🤮 all the stores were closed and for all she knew they were trying to feed families without provisions. Instead they’re jailed, fined, and given records.. meanwhile she’s at her rich friends house eating the stolen food because he only had junk food and beer ***
Not a heroine I care to root for
It’s an absolute mess and the main character has no clear values (says one thing, acts oppositely) and stuff happens that doesn’t get followed up on or have anything to do with the story so I’ve no way to know which information to retain for enjoyment and understanding and which information to throw out as useless.
All in all, this book sucked and I won’t be continuing. I liked Magitek enough to get book 2, but definitely am not feeling the follow up now that I’m seeing how things really are.
What makes this book a 1 star though is how truly bizarre the society is built and where the FMC is in it. You have demons who are painted as animals with base instincts who live only to commit crimes.. yet they stage peaceful protests asking for rights?? I don’t get it. There is no “some demons are good, and some are bad” they are all bad and all to be feared in this book. They’re able to own businesses but are too stupid to wrap their heads around technology so they need to trust others to handle their affairs. The only work they’re in is running bars and nightclubs as well. Or they’re in street gangs, raping and killing and selling drugs.
Then there’s the upper echelons, which Dani is part of. She’s a cop, but admittedly the entire police structure is corrupt and the only way to advance is via nepotism. She whines about the 1% but does everything she can to keep them (and her family) on top while squishing the poor and desperate under their boots. She gladly uses the freedom to act outside the law that her position in the 1% allows (no rights, no lawyers, no police procedures) which I find kind of gross.
**** She legit arrested underprivileged kids trying to loot a convenience store then went back and robbed the same store herself stating “the food would probably spoil before the shop could open anyways” — how hypocritical and gross 🤮 all the stores were closed and for all she knew they were trying to feed families without provisions. Instead they’re jailed, fined, and given records.. meanwhile she’s at her rich friends house eating the stolen food because he only had junk food and beer ***
Not a heroine I care to root for
It’s an absolute mess and the main character has no clear values (says one thing, acts oppositely) and stuff happens that doesn’t get followed up on or have anything to do with the story so I’ve no way to know which information to retain for enjoyment and understanding and which information to throw out as useless.
All in all, this book sucked and I won’t be continuing. I liked Magitek enough to get book 2, but definitely am not feeling the follow up now that I’m seeing how things really are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2020
I will be honest and give the negatives first
The first book in my opinion had a lot of holes for my liking specially after we open with a scene of her being taken so abruptly from school...
What happened to Dani after her father died in the interim years ( why did we open at that point ) we could have easily seen Dani as an adult abd got the backstory later .... but we didn’t and I had to go through the whole book without knowing much about her background with her family etc
Even in the second book we see a few glimpses and we see that she warns Kristen that her family isn’t great but there is no specific incident or instances that we see which would explain her ‘break’ from the family.
We are given a huge dump of data about 100 families structure a war a rift without it being really given an explanation of what happened
We open the story about a brash police officer who uses magic and tech to solve crimes a d has issues with authority ( like all police officers in books do )
In this book I like that we are given a little bit more in the family dynamics, we see what happensin the past ( still don’t know exactly what happened but it’s a bit clearer )
Why I have given this book a four star is because even with all these things that really bug me about the first 2 books I want to get the third and see what happens next.
The world of Magitek is amazing there are so many things that are possible. Demons mages magiteks, war, crime, abd most importantly the action is believable. Actual tactics are used instead of impossible things. The world of Magitek isn’t one dimensional these are all things that I would like to read
I am excited to read the next book whenever it comes inspite of the aforementioned issues.
We see that the demons actually have some sort of organisation going on and may have bigger plans ... I think James will come into this ( in later books ) we see a bit more of Dani’s mum and grandmother and the pivotal role that Dani plays in the war. I like the books as I says before but I don’t Love them like Rosie o Grady’s
The second book is better then the first and I do have hope that the next book will be better than the second.
The first book in my opinion had a lot of holes for my liking specially after we open with a scene of her being taken so abruptly from school...
What happened to Dani after her father died in the interim years ( why did we open at that point ) we could have easily seen Dani as an adult abd got the backstory later .... but we didn’t and I had to go through the whole book without knowing much about her background with her family etc
Even in the second book we see a few glimpses and we see that she warns Kristen that her family isn’t great but there is no specific incident or instances that we see which would explain her ‘break’ from the family.
We are given a huge dump of data about 100 families structure a war a rift without it being really given an explanation of what happened
We open the story about a brash police officer who uses magic and tech to solve crimes a d has issues with authority ( like all police officers in books do )
In this book I like that we are given a little bit more in the family dynamics, we see what happensin the past ( still don’t know exactly what happened but it’s a bit clearer )
Why I have given this book a four star is because even with all these things that really bug me about the first 2 books I want to get the third and see what happens next.
The world of Magitek is amazing there are so many things that are possible. Demons mages magiteks, war, crime, abd most importantly the action is believable. Actual tactics are used instead of impossible things. The world of Magitek isn’t one dimensional these are all things that I would like to read
I am excited to read the next book whenever it comes inspite of the aforementioned issues.
We see that the demons actually have some sort of organisation going on and may have bigger plans ... I think James will come into this ( in later books ) we see a bit more of Dani’s mum and grandmother and the pivotal role that Dani plays in the war. I like the books as I says before but I don’t Love them like Rosie o Grady’s
The second book is better then the first and I do have hope that the next book will be better than the second.
December 22, 2020
It is nice to be back in the creative world B.R. Kingsolver creates. I loved the first book in the Rift Chronicles and was very much looking forward to the next installment. “War Song.” While I really enjoyed this read I have to say that the plot and relationships felt rushed. Kingsolver is a better writer than this.
After the shakedown of her family structure Dani is force to deal with the fallout including a couple of assassination attempts on her life. Then, throughout the world other families are being targeted for assassination and Dani figures it has to do with the Asian figure heads who were arrested for human trafficking. The families are not happy and start an all out war.
During all of the turmoil Aleks, a man Dani met at a engagement soirée gets in touch with her and just like that they are together (1st example of rushing things). No I’m not a prude nor do I care if they sleep together but we really don’t know him or if we can trust him and now he is a major part of her life? I don’t even know if I like him or not. Then, Dani is promoted to Captain and we get to meet some new but interesting characters.
There is a major war going on in the city. It is a fight for who will obtain and maintain dominance in the world. Everything is on the line and Dani and her friends must ban together with their unique skill sets in order to prevail. Unusual alliances are forged yet we know there is a traitor somewhere in the ranks. This issue was not dealt with but maybe the author wants to deal with it in future installments.
All in all, I enjoyed this read even if I do feel things were rushed and glossed over. I hope Ms. Kingsolver provides for more character development and emotions in future installments. A little more details would make this series stellar!
After the shakedown of her family structure Dani is force to deal with the fallout including a couple of assassination attempts on her life. Then, throughout the world other families are being targeted for assassination and Dani figures it has to do with the Asian figure heads who were arrested for human trafficking. The families are not happy and start an all out war.
During all of the turmoil Aleks, a man Dani met at a engagement soirée gets in touch with her and just like that they are together (1st example of rushing things). No I’m not a prude nor do I care if they sleep together but we really don’t know him or if we can trust him and now he is a major part of her life? I don’t even know if I like him or not. Then, Dani is promoted to Captain and we get to meet some new but interesting characters.
There is a major war going on in the city. It is a fight for who will obtain and maintain dominance in the world. Everything is on the line and Dani and her friends must ban together with their unique skill sets in order to prevail. Unusual alliances are forged yet we know there is a traitor somewhere in the ranks. This issue was not dealt with but maybe the author wants to deal with it in future installments.
All in all, I enjoyed this read even if I do feel things were rushed and glossed over. I hope Ms. Kingsolver provides for more character development and emotions in future installments. A little more details would make this series stellar!
September 8, 2023
The plot-driven main story was more of a political thriller than the police procedural featured in the first book, mainly consisted of various small scale fights and was thin and repetitive.
The romance-driven storyline had no foundation, no build-up and no passion. He appeared, asked her out, she found his kisses 'nice' and they went to bed after the first couple of dates (and one emotionless, passionless sentence covered their action between the sheets). The whole thing was rather random.
The world-building continues to sport a lot of holes, the female lead continues to support the status quo while condemning it existence and the sexism remains deeply ingrained and ignored.
Overall, I found it boring and ended up skimming from about halfway thru the book all the way to the end.
Oh, and it really bothered me that it was established in the first book that anyone, regardless of their status, involved with human trafficking would be imprisoned for their transgressions but in this book, the traffickers are just going to be fined. Very unsatisfying outcome to the first book.
The romance-driven storyline had no foundation, no build-up and no passion. He appeared, asked her out, she found his kisses 'nice' and they went to bed after the first couple of dates (and one emotionless, passionless sentence covered their action between the sheets). The whole thing was rather random.
The world-building continues to sport a lot of holes, the female lead continues to support the status quo while condemning it existence and the sexism remains deeply ingrained and ignored.
Overall, I found it boring and ended up skimming from about halfway thru the book all the way to the end.
Oh, and it really bothered me that it was established in the first book that anyone, regardless of their status, involved with human trafficking would be imprisoned for their transgressions but in this book, the traffickers are just going to be fined. Very unsatisfying outcome to the first book.
June 10, 2021
Good
NOTE: This book picks up where book one left off, and has an open ending that is a book-hook style cliffhanger, that means it’s not a standalone story either in the series or the universe it is set in.
Danica, a magitek working for the police, has a lot on her plate.
Having helped to destroy a demon, and take down a human trafficking operation, she now has to pick up the fall-out. Which means she faces demon attacks, attempted assassinations, and ultimately, a war between powerful people.
This leaves just a little time for some romance, and fun…
Although much of the book features a war between feudal families, it’s not really about the war as much as it is about the players, and the player at heart of it, is the heroine Danica James.
We do see a lot more of her Elvish relatives, as well as her human ones, and then there are her powerful and interesting friends.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable urban fantasy, with a slightly steampunkish feel (from the magical technology), this series is one that urban fantasy fans will enjoy.
NOTE: This book picks up where book one left off, and has an open ending that is a book-hook style cliffhanger, that means it’s not a standalone story either in the series or the universe it is set in.
Danica, a magitek working for the police, has a lot on her plate.
Having helped to destroy a demon, and take down a human trafficking operation, she now has to pick up the fall-out. Which means she faces demon attacks, attempted assassinations, and ultimately, a war between powerful people.
This leaves just a little time for some romance, and fun…
Although much of the book features a war between feudal families, it’s not really about the war as much as it is about the players, and the player at heart of it, is the heroine Danica James.
We do see a lot more of her Elvish relatives, as well as her human ones, and then there are her powerful and interesting friends.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable urban fantasy, with a slightly steampunkish feel (from the magical technology), this series is one that urban fantasy fans will enjoy.
January 15, 2023
War Song ~Rift Chronicles Series book 2
Book 4.5 Stars
Audio 4 Stars
I've become a fast fan of B R Kingsolver, storytelling. I love the sci-fi, fantasy storyline with a touch of (slow burn) romance.
I listen via an audiobook read by Rachel Dulude. Her voice was clear, easy to understand, which made it easier to fall into the story. This is a great book to cook, clean or exercise too. Magic, Monsters and Mayhem.
War Song takes off where Magitek left off. This book is a page turner, and is packed full of action. l enjoyed joining Danica and all of her friends, family and supporting cast on this continued adventure. I love the fast-pace. Kingsolver does an excellent job writing well-developed characters, action scenes, and writing family /friendship dynamics. It's why I continue to buy their books.
Overall, War Song is a well-written book. It held my attention throughout. A very satisfying read that I revisit. I can't wait to listen to the final book. I would warn people about violence, but nothing graphic.
Book 4.5 Stars
Audio 4 Stars
I've become a fast fan of B R Kingsolver, storytelling. I love the sci-fi, fantasy storyline with a touch of (slow burn) romance.
I listen via an audiobook read by Rachel Dulude. Her voice was clear, easy to understand, which made it easier to fall into the story. This is a great book to cook, clean or exercise too. Magic, Monsters and Mayhem.
War Song takes off where Magitek left off. This book is a page turner, and is packed full of action. l enjoyed joining Danica and all of her friends, family and supporting cast on this continued adventure. I love the fast-pace. Kingsolver does an excellent job writing well-developed characters, action scenes, and writing family /friendship dynamics. It's why I continue to buy their books.
Overall, War Song is a well-written book. It held my attention throughout. A very satisfying read that I revisit. I can't wait to listen to the final book. I would warn people about violence, but nothing graphic.
January 19, 2021
Go Dani
Finally a series that isn’t surrounded by sex-fests and insta love stories.
An actual leading lady without the self righteous stuck up attitude who kicks arse. I’ve been struggling with finding a series I thoroughly enjoy and The rift chronicles has been that.
Dani is the black sheep of not only her family but all of the Magi world, being the only daughter of an infamous grandfather, missing presumed dead father, elvish mother.
She surrounds herself with those who want to fight evil, and. It just the demons and vampires from across the rift but also against crooked cops, witches and the Magi community.
Her sense of right and wrong are ones you can align yourself with and I’ve enjoyed going through the trials and tribulations along side her and her team.
The writing is flawless, amusing and interesting, and I don’t think I’ve come across a pnr book I’ve enjoyed as much as this.
Can’t wait for more books in this series to be released!
Finally a series that isn’t surrounded by sex-fests and insta love stories.
An actual leading lady without the self righteous stuck up attitude who kicks arse. I’ve been struggling with finding a series I thoroughly enjoy and The rift chronicles has been that.
Dani is the black sheep of not only her family but all of the Magi world, being the only daughter of an infamous grandfather, missing presumed dead father, elvish mother.
She surrounds herself with those who want to fight evil, and. It just the demons and vampires from across the rift but also against crooked cops, witches and the Magi community.
Her sense of right and wrong are ones you can align yourself with and I’ve enjoyed going through the trials and tribulations along side her and her team.
The writing is flawless, amusing and interesting, and I don’t think I’ve come across a pnr book I’ve enjoyed as much as this.
Can’t wait for more books in this series to be released!
August 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this second book in this series. It was full of action and magic with a touch of romance.
Danica Findlay-James is still battling against her aunt and her aunt's allies who want to take over every other Family in the Hundred. When her aunt forces Danica's Grandmother out of the house, she believes she has won and for a while it seemed that she definitely had the upper hand, but Danica, her boss, who is head of his own Family, her friends and other allies, all pull together to fight back as much as they can. I loved that the elves made an appearance this time as well.
Danica, being a magitek, has some great technology and arsenal at her disposal and I love how her friends are also able to show their strengths as well. It's not a one woman show and everyone has their own part to play in order to defeat their enemies.
Looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy and see how everything pans out in the end!
Danica Findlay-James is still battling against her aunt and her aunt's allies who want to take over every other Family in the Hundred. When her aunt forces Danica's Grandmother out of the house, she believes she has won and for a while it seemed that she definitely had the upper hand, but Danica, her boss, who is head of his own Family, her friends and other allies, all pull together to fight back as much as they can. I loved that the elves made an appearance this time as well.
Danica, being a magitek, has some great technology and arsenal at her disposal and I love how her friends are also able to show their strengths as well. It's not a one woman show and everyone has their own part to play in order to defeat their enemies.
Looking forward to reading the final book in this trilogy and see how everything pans out in the end!
July 12, 2022
I discovered B.R. Kingsolver about a year and a half ago. Since then, she has become one of my favorite authors. She consistently delivers well told tales that are fast paced and entertaining. This is no exception. This is not thought provoking or life changing. It is simple entertainment, which is the reason I read these kinds of books. And as such, it is exactly what I expected. It moves quickly, has plenty of action and a fair amount of humor. The characters are not the deepest, but then, it is told from the first-person perspective and, moving as quickly as it does, it does not leave too much room for exposition. B.R. Kingsolver has a gift that has almost disappeared from the literary world in the last quarter century: She is a storyteller. I highly recommend all her work, and if you have read any of her work, you will not be disappointed with this book.
October 13, 2022
Set 200 years in the future, in this world, magic and technology have been combined. In Book 1 Kingsolver introduced us to her lead character. Danica James,, both a mage and a crime fighter, must live with the inheritance of a grandfather who through magic opened a Rift to the sphere of sentient monsters. With non mages now at the bottom of the power structure, and chaos from the ever encroaching monsters humanity might be in the end days.
Steadfast loyal but still able to balance her worlds, Danica must now contend with a mage family gone rogue. The story ends on a cliff hanger that had this reader urging Kingsolver to 'write faster' .
Recommended for lovers of the paranormal and for sci-fi fans as well. Violence throughout still suitable for mature Young Adult Readers.
Steadfast loyal but still able to balance her worlds, Danica must now contend with a mage family gone rogue. The story ends on a cliff hanger that had this reader urging Kingsolver to 'write faster' .
Recommended for lovers of the paranormal and for sci-fi fans as well. Violence throughout still suitable for mature Young Adult Readers.
December 15, 2020
Dani is an epic badass
Kingsolver has been one of my favorite authors for a long time, and she keeps getting better with every new series. Imho Dani is the best so far. Of course, I just finished War Song so there is that. Dani and her best friend Kirsten are both examples of my favorite kind of high powered female MCs. They rock. The world Kingsolver has created is a lot of fun. A combination of high tech and magic and magick (with elves thrown in just for fun), you'll see the difference. Oh and magitek. Can't forget that. It all adds up to Kingsolver at her best. I can't wait for the next book, and for the Audible version.
Kingsolver has been one of my favorite authors for a long time, and she keeps getting better with every new series. Imho Dani is the best so far. Of course, I just finished War Song so there is that. Dani and her best friend Kirsten are both examples of my favorite kind of high powered female MCs. They rock. The world Kingsolver has created is a lot of fun. A combination of high tech and magic and magick (with elves thrown in just for fun), you'll see the difference. Oh and magitek. Can't forget that. It all adds up to Kingsolver at her best. I can't wait for the next book, and for the Audible version.
December 20, 2020
Another great story by BR Kingsolver
It’s been awhile since I read book 1 in this series, so it took me a bit to remember who’s who, but once I did everything began to make sense. I think Ms. Kingsolver’s strengths lie in setting the stage and then writing great action scenes. It’s easy to follow the various relationships and know what they mean, and see how the characters develop. Growth and change are what we look for in our protagonists and it’s very rewarding to see the characters choose to be moral and loving... some do, and the bad guys are dependably sucky as well. Buy this one and enjoy it.
It’s been awhile since I read book 1 in this series, so it took me a bit to remember who’s who, but once I did everything began to make sense. I think Ms. Kingsolver’s strengths lie in setting the stage and then writing great action scenes. It’s easy to follow the various relationships and know what they mean, and see how the characters develop. Growth and change are what we look for in our protagonists and it’s very rewarding to see the characters choose to be moral and loving... some do, and the bad guys are dependably sucky as well. Buy this one and enjoy it.
June 9, 2021
I enjoyed the second of this book as well as the first. It showed more world building, which I liked, as I got a sense of the world Dani lives in. I also enjoyed how Dani grew as a character, going from the typical doesn't play by the rules cop to somewhat more balanced. She reminded me a bit, in some ways, of Eve Dallas as a character.
I also really enjoyed how the action was set out in this book. I enjoyed that while Dani could agree in principle to the things the HFL wanted, she couldn't in practice. The dichotomy made for a much more well developed character.
This was definitely a book worth reading, and I look forward to the third book in the series.
I also really enjoyed how the action was set out in this book. I enjoyed that while Dani could agree in principle to the things the HFL wanted, she couldn't in practice. The dichotomy made for a much more well developed character.
This was definitely a book worth reading, and I look forward to the third book in the series.
July 29, 2021
After reading this, I think the Rift Chronicles are my new favorite series from BR Kingsolver. I loved this book so much, I finished it in two days. It's a good thing that Danica is a strong, fearless, and independent woman cause there is some major family drama in this book. This story is super fast-paced, with more demons, snarky dialogue, a new love interest for our heroine, and multiple battles to get your adrenaline pumping. Also, Kristen is like the best sidekick ever? Totally underappreciated. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment, fingers are crossed it comes out soon.
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