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Rifter #3
Black Blades
Volume Three. Once Kahlil had been entrusted with a holy to watch
over the Rifter and protect him in the world of Nayeshi until the
Issusha’im Oracles decided whether to summon the destroyer
god or kill him while he remained a mortal in Nayeshi. But
Kahlil failed his duty, slipping away to rescue his sister from
a fire and in that moment allowing the Rifter to cross into the
world of Basawar.
Desperate, Kahlil followed the Rifter. But the Great Gate had
been shattered, and Kahlil suffered catastrophic injuries to both
his body and his mind during the crossing between worlds.
He has returned to Basawar, but his home is not as he remembered
it—inasmuchas he can remember anything. With all signs
of the holy sect he once served now wiped away, there is no one to
remind him of his purpose. In his wrecked condition he accepts the
only help offered and takes work in the noble Bousim household as
a spy and an assassin for handsome Captain Alidas’ro’Bousim who
patrols the seething underbelly of the capital city of Nurjima.
Now, after two years of faithful service, Alidas sends him on
a final to infiltrate the Lisam household and stop Ourath
Lisam and his circle of noble conspirators from assassinating the
Fai’daum leader, Jath’ibaye.
over the Rifter and protect him in the world of Nayeshi until the
Issusha’im Oracles decided whether to summon the destroyer
god or kill him while he remained a mortal in Nayeshi. But
Kahlil failed his duty, slipping away to rescue his sister from
a fire and in that moment allowing the Rifter to cross into the
world of Basawar.
Desperate, Kahlil followed the Rifter. But the Great Gate had
been shattered, and Kahlil suffered catastrophic injuries to both
his body and his mind during the crossing between worlds.
He has returned to Basawar, but his home is not as he remembered
it—inasmuchas he can remember anything. With all signs
of the holy sect he once served now wiped away, there is no one to
remind him of his purpose. In his wrecked condition he accepts the
only help offered and takes work in the noble Bousim household as
a spy and an assassin for handsome Captain Alidas’ro’Bousim who
patrols the seething underbelly of the capital city of Nurjima.
Now, after two years of faithful service, Alidas sends him on
a final to infiltrate the Lisam household and stop Ourath
Lisam and his circle of noble conspirators from assassinating the
Fai’daum leader, Jath’ibaye.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2011
25 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
May 24, 2020
4 Stars!
I keep reading and reading and things are coming to light despite the fact that I still have no clue as to what the hell’s going on!
That’s apparently not going to stop me from continuing!
I keep reading and reading and things are coming to light despite the fact that I still have no clue as to what the hell’s going on!
That’s apparently not going to stop me from continuing!
September 22, 2019
Reread 9/22/19
I'm picking up so much more the second time through this series!
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
Is Ravishan...? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Could he be...??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
This series, man.
"Right now, you and I exist in each other's minds. Perhaps you have an idea of me, and I have an idea of you, but we haven't tested those ideas."
I'm picking up so much more the second time through this series!
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
Is Ravishan...? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Could he be...??? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
This series, man.
December 27, 2016
I think I'm catching on!!
July 21, 2020
3.5 Stars
Curiouser and curiouser.
Three books in and I’m no less lost than I was in book one. I have theories, sure, but how it will all come together, even if I’m correct in my assumptions, is still a whole other thing.
But despite the general bafflement surrounding what’s going on, I trust in this author’s talents completely. Hale has truly excelled at weaving together an intricate and unique fantasy world, creating a myriad of complex characters of varying means and motives, and even going so far as to mastermind a whole new language within her storytelling.
It’s all fairly impressive and I am undoubtedly impressed.
I’m also keen to see where the “romance” takes me, because at this point I’ve mapped together who is who , but how it will all play out has me feeling more anxious than excited – even though I’m sure it will all turn out okay in the end… at least, I hope it does!
For now, onward to book four!
Curiouser and curiouser.
Three books in and I’m no less lost than I was in book one. I have theories, sure, but how it will all come together, even if I’m correct in my assumptions, is still a whole other thing.
But despite the general bafflement surrounding what’s going on, I trust in this author’s talents completely. Hale has truly excelled at weaving together an intricate and unique fantasy world, creating a myriad of complex characters of varying means and motives, and even going so far as to mastermind a whole new language within her storytelling.
It’s all fairly impressive and I am undoubtedly impressed.
I’m also keen to see where the “romance” takes me, because at this point I’ve mapped together who is who , but how it will all play out has me feeling more anxious than excited – even though I’m sure it will all turn out okay in the end… at least, I hope it does!
For now, onward to book four!
July 8, 2020
My theories are starting to have theories of their own, which is sometimes as confusing as it sounds, but I’m having a lot of fun and even guessing something right from time to time, so it’s all good.
The only thing I’ve issues with so far is the reason given for , I was expecting something a little more complex and articulated than what’s passing for the reason at the moment. I say ‘passing for the reason’ because I’m not 100% convinced that’s all there’s to it, so I’m reserving judgment for now.
Otherwise, this is shaping up to be a great story and I’m loving it. 😊
The only thing I’ve issues with so far is the reason given for , I was expecting something a little more complex and articulated than what’s passing for the reason at the moment. I say ‘passing for the reason’ because I’m not 100% convinced that’s all there’s to it, so I’m reserving judgment for now.
Otherwise, this is shaping up to be a great story and I’m loving it. 😊
October 2, 2013
I'm slightly less clueless than I was reading book two, plus?
Kissing.
THERE IS KISSING.
*Snoopy dance*
Spoilerific, in a speculative kind of way.
Everyone who's read this series to completion is laughing at me right now. That's fine. I'm laughing too.
*straightens clothing, smooths hair*
Okay, heading right into book four.
Kissing.
THERE IS KISSING.
*Snoopy dance*
Spoilerific, in a speculative kind of way.
Everyone who's read this series to completion is laughing at me right now. That's fine. I'm laughing too.
*straightens clothing, smooths hair*
Okay, heading right into book four.
February 2, 2016
Seriously, that is not an ending spot. No way. Thank all the deities that I did not find this series before it was done because I would have gone insane. Batshit crazy over that cliffhanger.
That said, I am tempted by the dark side here. Not surprising. John, keep it together. And am I the only one who wants to smack Laurie? The foreboding is strong and I see this getting deadly real quick, like lightning fast. Off for my next hit with book #4. Yes, I've written off being a productive member of society until this is done.
June 13, 2013
Now were talking!
This is galloping along and I'm coming to grips with the parallel worlds. The present reveals more of the past and the future hints at the present. It's all fast, crazy good and totally addictive.
In the present John's powers are slowly emerging and it would seem his bond with the Earth is intensifying - so exciting!
There is some history on the Rifter and Basawar culture which explains a lot, but not quite enough ...yet. A fascinating and disturbing display of the ushiri'im training exposes the brutal depravity of Dayyid and the immoral laws of the Pashmura.
I am totally engrossed in this world, the past and present. Ginn Hale is a master crafter of a world so vivid and fantastical: crooked streets, stone pathways and tall towers. The spicy aromas of strange foods (roast dog - ew!) The scents of pollen and earth and ozone make my senses reel and I'm dizzy with appreciation. Her descriptions are utterly superb!
I'm really beginning to care for the characters now. There are quite a few moments where I found my heart in my throat and my empathy fully engaged. Ravishan and John. Kahlil and Jathi'baye. Even poor young Fikiri.
Laurie is playing with fire under repression and making me nervous! John is studying in seclusion and believing that the key to the gate lies within Rathal'pesha.
This is getting too good to pass up, so onward to Witches' Blood
This is galloping along and I'm coming to grips with the parallel worlds. The present reveals more of the past and the future hints at the present. It's all fast, crazy good and totally addictive.
In the present John's powers are slowly emerging and it would seem his bond with the Earth is intensifying - so exciting!
There is some history on the Rifter and Basawar culture which explains a lot, but not quite enough ...yet. A fascinating and disturbing display of the ushiri'im training exposes the brutal depravity of Dayyid and the immoral laws of the Pashmura.
I am totally engrossed in this world, the past and present. Ginn Hale is a master crafter of a world so vivid and fantastical: crooked streets, stone pathways and tall towers. The spicy aromas of strange foods (roast dog - ew!) The scents of pollen and earth and ozone make my senses reel and I'm dizzy with appreciation. Her descriptions are utterly superb!
I'm really beginning to care for the characters now. There are quite a few moments where I found my heart in my throat and my empathy fully engaged. Ravishan and John. Kahlil and Jathi'baye. Even poor young Fikiri.
Laurie is playing with fire under repression and making me nervous! John is studying in seclusion and believing that the key to the gate lies within Rathal'pesha.
This is getting too good to pass up, so onward to Witches' Blood
September 24, 2018
Finally a *few* answers!
I have to say, I absolutely love the mythology of this world. It all sounds so real, so believable.
John's mysterious fate and his role in all this is what keeps this story going.
There are still many unsolved riddles and we're only fed bits and pieces through various time jumps taking us to the future where things are even more confusing than before, only to return to the present so we can see how things will lead to the future as we've witnessed it already.
This plot device works surprisingly well here and keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I can't wait to learn more, but I'm a bit cautious, because for me, this is clearly a plot driven story. The solution to the riddles of the Rifter series will be the main key to me loving the series or not.
Judging the current moment in time:
5 stars!
I have to say, I absolutely love the mythology of this world. It all sounds so real, so believable.
John's mysterious fate and his role in all this is what keeps this story going.
There are still many unsolved riddles and we're only fed bits and pieces through various time jumps taking us to the future where things are even more confusing than before, only to return to the present so we can see how things will lead to the future as we've witnessed it already.
This plot device works surprisingly well here and keeps me on the edge of my seat.
I can't wait to learn more, but I'm a bit cautious, because for me, this is clearly a plot driven story. The solution to the riddles of the Rifter series will be the main key to me loving the series or not.
Judging the current moment in time:
5 stars!
January 2, 2016
Ok, ok...more plot twists and turns. Is it weird that I'm kinda loving this level of confusion that goes along with reading these books? It's like...a like a puzzle...trying to figure out how everything fits.
Book 3 was AWESOME! We've now got political intrigue and assassination attempts. We're introduced in the time warp to MORE characters we've seen as younger versions of themselves to see where their lives have ended up...and left wondering HOW and WHY!
And best of all...KYLE time...and JOHN time...and YES!!!!
I'm starting book 4 and already starting to worry about when this series will end. I don't want it to end.
June 18, 2013
Black Blades, book three in Ginn Hale’s Rifter series, once again dazzled me with words and descriptions. But it was the emotion that ruled the pages this time out for me. Fear, sadness, guilt, longing, and laughter. At one point, it felt as if Hale placed her hand right over my heart. The warmth and weight made my heart smile, hope, and skip a beat.
This leg of the journey revealed new characters, powers, plans, twists, and turns to the adventure. I loved the introduction of the runner world. A fast, almost rebellious band of bike messengers zipping across the city landscape with smiles and shouts. The energy and movement added a fun layer to the action. A different view of the world through alleyways and backdoors. And Fensal! What a bouncing bubble of joy and enthusiasm! Racing, jumping, and grinning! Ms. Hale has a way of seamlessly introducing new blood into the story with humor and love. I fell hard and fast for some of these new characters with just a touch or smile.
Come to think of it, I laughed, smiled, and shook my head in awe through most of this story. From the calm wisdom of Samsango to the fast frenzy feel of Fensal’s energy! It all pulled me in and made me glow and grin. Plus it felt so good to see Bill and Laurie again. They bring such a sarcastic bite to the banter with John. A light, teasing humor has developed between a few of the characters. Flirting you might say. :) So adorable and touching at times. These characters—all of them—found pockets of my heart to camp out in. I hope, love, and care for them. I could see the bright smiles and feel the heat of the blushes. And then the BOOM moment hit!
That magical moment where everything aligned and smacked me upside the head. Haha… I don’t have all the pieces yet—Hell…..I’m probably missing most of the pieces still. But this! My world came to a screeching halt around me and on the page. I had to stop and take it all in.
The worlds! The parallels just hit me. What could have been? What will happen now? Will they ever get home again? Maybe they are home. The “what-ifs and suspense are building!
Off for more….This series keeps getting better and better.
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars
We have intel, people! These holy guys might think their myths are boring and dreadful, but I'm fascinated. So is John, thankfully. Sure, it's no but it's information I needed. I'm starting to get an inkling what's going on. 😂 Throw in some much needed banter and your garden variety assassination attempts, and this is the best section yet.
We have intel, people! These holy guys might think their myths are boring and dreadful, but I'm fascinated. So is John, thankfully. Sure, it's no but it's information I needed. I'm starting to get an inkling what's going on. 😂 Throw in some much needed banter and your garden variety assassination attempts, and this is the best section yet.
March 14, 2016
Things are definitely looking up with book #3. I think it's partially because I'm feeling like there's more interaction between characters as the story progresses, and I really like this, but mostly because I'm becoming more comfortable with the world that Ginn Hale has created. In a way the world building and plot development have felt slow, but that's thankfully so or it would end up feeling like a huge info dump and I know I'd be doing a DNF for sure.
'Black Blades' has left me sitting on the edge of a hella' big cliff for a few things so I'm definitely going to be falling into 'Witches' Blood' book #4 before the end of the day.
3.5 stars rounded up here on GR because...still no 1/2 stars.
'Black Blades' has left me sitting on the edge of a hella' big cliff for a few things so I'm definitely going to be falling into 'Witches' Blood' book #4 before the end of the day.
3.5 stars rounded up here on GR because...still no 1/2 stars.
April 28, 2018
Dear book,
We're Getting somewhere!!! And that kiss. Yes.
And I think I'm starting to get what's happening here! I wish ya'll could see the convos in this buddy read
We're Getting somewhere!!! And that kiss. Yes.
And I think I'm starting to get what's happening here! I wish ya'll could see the convos in this buddy read
September 13, 2022
A bit less confused about the story still very confused as to why this series isn’t simply one huge book.
June 11, 2018
4.5 Stars
Yet another great installment in this series! I love how the different arcs seem to be slowly, but surely merging...and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Ginn threw in a new development as to the identity of The Rifter.
Hopefully I get to the next book faster than I did this one...
Yet another great installment in this series! I love how the different arcs seem to be slowly, but surely merging...and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Ginn threw in a new development as to the identity of The Rifter.
Hopefully I get to the next book faster than I did this one...
April 9, 2013
This is my favorite installment so far. The story is complex and kept me on the edge of my seat whilst I tried to figure out what was going on. I'm at the stage where I've started to truly care about these characters and am anxious for them to survive this nightmare. Straight on with Witches' Blood
November 12, 2014
Galloping through this series. The story progresses and the plot thickens..
Kahlil and John (Jath'ibaye) are re-united in the future Bathazar. In the present John leads the life of a novice priest at Rathal’pesha.
'John leaned closer to read the miniscule gold letters that surrounded the figure.
Kahlil. He who crosses the worlds. He who hunts the Rifter. He who receives the golden key. He who unleashes the Rifter. He who spills the sacred blood. He who slays the Rifter. Blessed three times. Flesh, blood, and bones.'
Kahlil and John (Jath'ibaye) are re-united in the future Bathazar. In the present John leads the life of a novice priest at Rathal’pesha.
'John leaned closer to read the miniscule gold letters that surrounded the figure.
Kahlil. He who crosses the worlds. He who hunts the Rifter. He who receives the golden key. He who unleashes the Rifter. He who spills the sacred blood. He who slays the Rifter. Blessed three times. Flesh, blood, and bones.'
May 8, 2015
I think I know what's happening now! My buddies need to hurry up and finish this so we can move on to book 4.
Read
October 30, 2017DNF
August 18, 2020
This installment is brought to you by Dan the Milkman.
February 11, 2023
“Lonely, handsome, and completely infatuated with you,” Laurie replied. “You’re a total sucker for that kind of thing.”
Yes, Laurie, I'm a total sucker for THAT kind of thing. I need more of Ravishan being hopelessly, desperately in love with John from John's POV!
March 27, 2016
4.5 stars
Whew! This 3rd installment was fantastic! It kept me engrossed the whole time! Some of my questions was answered but so much more arose.. I am really into this world and can't wait to see what's next in store for John and Kyle!
Whew! This 3rd installment was fantastic! It kept me engrossed the whole time! Some of my questions was answered but so much more arose.. I am really into this world and can't wait to see what's next in store for John and Kyle!
May 7, 2017
I'm getting the hang of the story now.. Just like John settling in his new world~ i was kinda worried that i might not finish the whole 10 books because i was so confused and lost in the first 2 books.. But yeah, now that i'm getting the hang of it, I'm completely hooked! 😍 can't wait to see how the plot will unfold💕
September 28, 2016
Alright I've made a pact with myself. Enough is enough. I've read the first 3 books in this series spread out over acres of time and it's killing me. I've added the next couple of books in this series as a bind up and I'm going to make a deal with myself to go back and re-read the first three at the time that that book gets added to my challenge lists. Because this world is too dang confusing not to be read back to back.
Here's the thing, I'm enjoying this series more as I go along, but there are so many things that I forget between readings that it leaves things doubly confusing. I know the author has written this book in a way to keep the reader in the dark about some elements, but the gaps in my memory of the story just make it harder to start pulling the pieces together. This book did finally start to bring some clarity to the situation.
The multiple story/timelines are coming closer together and Kahlil and John (I'm just picking one name) are spinning ever closer. I like the lines that this story is going down and I can't wait to find out a few more of the moving pieces. But I'm definitely not going to continue reading one book at a time with months in between. Bad idea. It's time to pull out the big guns. I think I'll have a much higher enjoyment of the story as a whole this way.
Here's the thing, I'm enjoying this series more as I go along, but there are so many things that I forget between readings that it leaves things doubly confusing. I know the author has written this book in a way to keep the reader in the dark about some elements, but the gaps in my memory of the story just make it harder to start pulling the pieces together. This book did finally start to bring some clarity to the situation.
The multiple story/timelines are coming closer together and Kahlil and John (I'm just picking one name) are spinning ever closer. I like the lines that this story is going down and I can't wait to find out a few more of the moving pieces. But I'm definitely not going to continue reading one book at a time with months in between. Bad idea. It's time to pull out the big guns. I think I'll have a much higher enjoyment of the story as a whole this way.
Read
May 9, 2015Story is really picking up. I'm being sucked in, into the vortex of the Rifter's world. So many questions, suspicions, possibilities.
April 14, 2014
I want to devour these books and savor them at the same time. Arghh, the reader's dilemma.
February 18, 2021
4.5 stars.
This series is kinda mind-blowing...and I'm not sure in a good way.
Confusing, but brilliant.
This series is kinda mind-blowing...and I'm not sure in a good way.
Confusing, but brilliant.
June 30, 2016
3.5 stars
This series is getting better with each book.
This series is getting better with each book.
September 6, 2017
I honestly cannot express just how relevant to my interests this series is askjdbvlj
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews