What do you think?
Rate this book
Rifter #4
Witches' Blood
Volume Four. After using a key intended for his roommate, John Toffler
and his two closest friends—Laurie and Bill—are thrown into the
harsh world of Basawar. John and his friends survive the winter
wilderness with the aid of a rebellious young priest, Ravishan, and
eventually join Basawar society in the city of Amura’taye.
While Laurie and Bill find shelter in the household of the exiled
Lady Bousim, John ascends the Thousand Steps to the monastery
of Rathal’pesha where he reunites with Ravishan. He hopes that
among the mysterious teachings of the Pashmura priesthood
he can find a way to return home. After a year of service in the
monastery, he has made many discoveries and a few friends, chief
among them the aged priest, Samsango, and the healer, Hann’yu.
But the way home still eludes John.
Soon John begins to fear that Laurie’s newly developed powers
could be those of the destroyer god, the Rifter. If she were to be
discovered, it would mean the end for all of them. Complicating
matters further is the fact that Laurie continues to practice the
forbidden arts of witchcraft under the tutelage of Lady Bousim.
In the midst of John’s turmoil, Ravishan confesses his attraction
to John. But Basawar is a world where such desire is punished
with death. And after a frustratingly brief kiss in Candle Alley, John
orders Ravishan away from him—for both their sakes.
and his two closest friends—Laurie and Bill—are thrown into the
harsh world of Basawar. John and his friends survive the winter
wilderness with the aid of a rebellious young priest, Ravishan, and
eventually join Basawar society in the city of Amura’taye.
While Laurie and Bill find shelter in the household of the exiled
Lady Bousim, John ascends the Thousand Steps to the monastery
of Rathal’pesha where he reunites with Ravishan. He hopes that
among the mysterious teachings of the Pashmura priesthood
he can find a way to return home. After a year of service in the
monastery, he has made many discoveries and a few friends, chief
among them the aged priest, Samsango, and the healer, Hann’yu.
But the way home still eludes John.
Soon John begins to fear that Laurie’s newly developed powers
could be those of the destroyer god, the Rifter. If she were to be
discovered, it would mean the end for all of them. Complicating
matters further is the fact that Laurie continues to practice the
forbidden arts of witchcraft under the tutelage of Lady Bousim.
In the midst of John’s turmoil, Ravishan confesses his attraction
to John. But Basawar is a world where such desire is punished
with death. And after a frustratingly brief kiss in Candle Alley, John
orders Ravishan away from him—for both their sakes.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 26, 2019
Reread 9/25/19
Still having MAJOR heart eyes for this series.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Having just spent a buttload of time in a car on an epically boring road trip which was stuffed to the gills with classic rock whilst reading this series, this Blue Oyster Cult song has now become its anthem in my mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPH2X...
Don't Fear the Rifter, babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!
My brain is a strange place.
Anyhoozle, I really loved this installment. I'm not sure why exactly but I'm chalking it up to the Blue Oyster Cult.
The worldbuilding is still phenomenal and things are starting to come together in my head.
Hann'yu is the jam.
I'm ready for John to throat punch Dayyid. Like now.
Jury's still out on Fikiri.
Ravishan... *sigh*
I have a bad feeling things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better.
Still having MAJOR heart eyes for this series.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Having just spent a buttload of time in a car on an epically boring road trip which was stuffed to the gills with classic rock whilst reading this series, this Blue Oyster Cult song has now become its anthem in my mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPH2X...
Don't Fear the Rifter, babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!
My brain is a strange place.
Anyhoozle, I really loved this installment. I'm not sure why exactly but I'm chalking it up to the Blue Oyster Cult.
The worldbuilding is still phenomenal and things are starting to come together in my head.
Hann'yu is the jam.
I'm ready for John to throat punch Dayyid. Like now.
Jury's still out on Fikiri.
Ravishan... *sigh*
I have a bad feeling things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better.
May 24, 2020
4 Stars
Seriously, this series is giving me all the anxiety.
This installment further pushes the story along and sets up some potentially high stakes situations as I’m just chewing my nails to the nubs, waiting on tenterhooks about how this will all play out with a much needed HEA that is still a very long time coming.
Eeek!
Seriously, this series is giving me all the anxiety.
This installment further pushes the story along and sets up some potentially high stakes situations as I’m just chewing my nails to the nubs, waiting on tenterhooks about how this will all play out with a much needed HEA that is still a very long time coming.
Eeek!
April 24, 2020
3.5 Stars
Witches' Blood has left me with a deep-seated feeling of unease, as it further sets the scene for the inevitable destruction and heartbreak that is undoubtedly in store for the now familiar characters in this original and multi-faceted high-fantasy saga.
Although it was the first of the series to follow a straightforward, linear timeline in its narrative, making it, by far, the easiest addition to follow along and comprehend, I actually found it a teeny tiny bit disappointing.
Apparently, I enjoyed that feeling of bafflement I was experiencing in the first three stories—that “WTF is going on!?” feeling, demanding I try and piece together what was happening, as I sorted through characters, motives, and supposed shifts in timelines and events. Apparently, I found that fun. Who knew?
Here, the plot was a bit more direct, which isn’t a criticism, really, I just found myself more engaged when I was rushing to read ahead because I was too confused to not do so. 😂
What I did enjoy were the sweet moments shared between John and Ravishan. These two are developing a forbidden relationship that has the potential to be something truly epic and memorable. And, as nervous as I am, I look forward to seeing how things shake out for them, at least romantically speaking.
I can’t really explain my reduced rating (compared to previous instalments), other than to assume that the building tension within this story—foreboding the potentially horrible things yet to befall these characters—was just not in alignment with my current precarious mood. This is completely on me, of course, as the quality of the writing and the complexity of the fantasy storytelling continues to be as top-notch and immersive as ever. I very much look forward to reading further to discover what ingenious thing will happen next.
Witches' Blood has left me with a deep-seated feeling of unease, as it further sets the scene for the inevitable destruction and heartbreak that is undoubtedly in store for the now familiar characters in this original and multi-faceted high-fantasy saga.
Although it was the first of the series to follow a straightforward, linear timeline in its narrative, making it, by far, the easiest addition to follow along and comprehend, I actually found it a teeny tiny bit disappointing.
Apparently, I enjoyed that feeling of bafflement I was experiencing in the first three stories—that “WTF is going on!?” feeling, demanding I try and piece together what was happening, as I sorted through characters, motives, and supposed shifts in timelines and events. Apparently, I found that fun. Who knew?
Here, the plot was a bit more direct, which isn’t a criticism, really, I just found myself more engaged when I was rushing to read ahead because I was too confused to not do so. 😂
What I did enjoy were the sweet moments shared between John and Ravishan. These two are developing a forbidden relationship that has the potential to be something truly epic and memorable. And, as nervous as I am, I look forward to seeing how things shake out for them, at least romantically speaking.
I can’t really explain my reduced rating (compared to previous instalments), other than to assume that the building tension within this story—foreboding the potentially horrible things yet to befall these characters—was just not in alignment with my current precarious mood. This is completely on me, of course, as the quality of the writing and the complexity of the fantasy storytelling continues to be as top-notch and immersive as ever. I very much look forward to reading further to discover what ingenious thing will happen next.
July 9, 2020
Still more questions than answers, but I wasn’t expecting any different for the first books and I’m still interested and entertained. I’m enjoying getting to know the characters little by little and seeing how the story unfolds. And in case you were wondering, no, the theories aren’t going to dry up anytime soon. Thankfully I have very patient buddy readers who haven’t told me to shup up yet.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I blame the author for splitting 1 book in 10 and forcing me to basically write the same review over and over again.
I know I sound like a broken record, but I blame the author for splitting 1 book in 10 and forcing me to basically write the same review over and over again.
September 27, 2018
The more installments I read, the more I am falling in love with this outstanding fantasy series.
I'm usually a fan of more character driven works, but I also understand that staying a bit detached from the characters clearly helps the mystery of the series, so I am totally willing to appreciate the characters and excellent plot even though I don't find myself as deeply inside the characters' minds as I normally hope for.
The exciting thing about the plot is that it keeps me largely in the dark, feeding me only tiny bits and pieces of information, most of them leaving me more confused than ever (which is good! I love it!!).
The only thing I can say about the plot is that it takes place in a different world with different rules and a complicated society and the characters' main objective is to return to our reality again.
'Basawar' is a truly outstanding creation. I love the concept of society, the rivaling groups, the hierarchies and the religious views and also crimes committed in the name of faith (i.e. they burn witches and skin girls alive so their bones become undead oracles). It's not exactly a paradise to live in...
I am also very impressed with the concept of a creator god who appears in several incarnations (the creating aspect and the destroying aspect).
Every detail in this story is perfectly well thought through and executed, from the biological differences in the Basawar animals (weasels seem to be very popular here, but they lay eggs with red yolk, so any dough becomes pink...), to the differences in customs (they eat dogs! DOGS!! And cattle are so rare that only the richest aristocrats have them featured in their family crest - or as statues on their mantlepieces).
And the best part of the entire reading experience is following our characters on their journey to self-discovery! And it looks like fate has something remarkable for them in store. But I can hardly say anything about them as it would inevitably be a spoiler.
It's seriously an amazing fantasy series with a well-developed plot and for lack of a better word 'great structure', as it tells you the story in different layers of both time and dimension.
I'll end this now before my review turns into a maths essay.
I am in love with the story and of course with John, Kyle (and Ravishan too, god that guy is so sweet yet tragic, I love him).
5 stars!
February 3, 2016
Like a net slowly being drawn in, I see the fish swimming around in it, still unaware of what's about to happen. The anticipation is killing me, and I'm watching some of the characters and saying to myself are you kidding me? Oblivious, arrogant, and entitled are dangerous weaknesses. I suspect book 5 will have tears, expected them already, but it was delayed. Allons-y!
This thought though is perfect, and why so much fails:
This thought though is perfect, and why so much fails:
Parfir’s edicts of generosity, humility and compassion moved Samsango to do what Dayyid never would: to celebrate the prowess of those who surpassed him while offering aid and sympathy to those beneath him.
Read
May 28, 2016Read with Katface.
Insert: typical whinge that this shouldn't be series.
This got really fucking good this book. I don't think it's so much because of particular incidents that can be isolated to this small chunk of manuscript so much as the various tensions and relationships, and slowly accumulated knowledge, built over the previous books finally came together and paid together.
There's also some seriously dark stuff in this one - nothing gratuitously explicit but the violence integral to repressive societies is made undeniable. And because I'm a wuss I'm quite shaken.
In some ways I am sort of ... conflicted because I am not mad keen on SFF settings in which oppression of marginalised people is central theme, because, hey, I can get that at home for free. And also most SFF is stultifying rubbish at representation anyway. However, obviously this is integral and not incidental, and it's a powerfully depicted, leading to a genuinely anxious-making reading experience (in a good way). I am very worried for basically every character I care about. Which is most of them.
Including some of the antagonists who are depicted with sufficient complexity that while they are unlikeable (hi Dayyid, you dogmatic bastard) they are always understandable. The time-shift thing is also really messing with my emotions because it is really frightening to know that lovely Ravishan will become boring Kyle and much of John's hope will transform into bitterness, but not really understand how that will happen. Other than having a nebulous sense it will be awful.
The Ravish/Kyle & John romance is lovely though. Tender and achey.
Insert: typical whinge that this shouldn't be series.
This got really fucking good this book. I don't think it's so much because of particular incidents that can be isolated to this small chunk of manuscript so much as the various tensions and relationships, and slowly accumulated knowledge, built over the previous books finally came together and paid together.
There's also some seriously dark stuff in this one - nothing gratuitously explicit but the violence integral to repressive societies is made undeniable. And because I'm a wuss I'm quite shaken.
In some ways I am sort of ... conflicted because I am not mad keen on SFF settings in which oppression of marginalised people is central theme, because, hey, I can get that at home for free. And also most SFF is stultifying rubbish at representation anyway. However, obviously this is integral and not incidental, and it's a powerfully depicted, leading to a genuinely anxious-making reading experience (in a good way). I am very worried for basically every character I care about. Which is most of them.
Including some of the antagonists who are depicted with sufficient complexity that while they are unlikeable (hi Dayyid, you dogmatic bastard) they are always understandable. The time-shift thing is also really messing with my emotions because it is really frightening to know that lovely Ravishan will become boring Kyle and much of John's hope will transform into bitterness, but not really understand how that will happen. Other than having a nebulous sense it will be awful.
The Ravish/Kyle & John romance is lovely though. Tender and achey.
June 15, 2013
Shit-shock-horror! My feeeeels!
Amazing! - The Plot
Horrifying! - The burning!
Heartbreaking! - Ravishan!
Betrayed! - I'm not saying.
In love! - John
Enraged! - Dayyid! Grrr...
In awe! - Ginn Hale
Terrified! - the future.
That's all I have for now. Onward ...
Amazing! - The Plot
Horrifying! - The burning!
Heartbreaking! - Ravishan!
Betrayed! - I'm not saying.
In love! - John
Enraged! - Dayyid! Grrr...
In awe! - Ginn Hale
Terrified! - the future.
That's all I have for now. Onward ...
December 27, 2016
Need to read faster! My week is shot until I finish the series!
June 20, 2013
Blackmail, spying, blood, and burnings. I’m scared now. My heart and gut are waiting and bracing for trouble.
As John’s power and connections slowly reveal themselves, the secrets, desires, and lies are getting harder to hide. The constant dangers, deceit, and tensions are all making me nervous. Dayyid’s mistrust and suspicions, Fikiri (I have my eye on you!), and even Laurie all have me in knots and muttering to myself. Haha…God, I love this series!
Witches’ Blood upped the ante for me. Showed more of the dark side of the history and customs to life in Rathal’pesha. This story really makes you look around at your world. See, feel and experience it. Perhaps even question and look at the other side of things. One of my favorite parts of Hale’s writing and world building is how she will place dark, brutal moments of life almost side by side with the soft, gentle, warm moments of care and love. From horrifying violence to holding someone as they fall asleep. Hale doesn’t make it easy—there is no black or white, clear cut, right and wrong answers. Some of my favorite characters support and believe in such acts of brutality and ugliness. Each character (all of us) is a complex mixture of love and hate; right and wrong; cruelty and care.
Friends, enemies, or allies? There is still no one to trust wholeheartedly here. Even John is holding back and hiding. When he decides to show his true self and scale of his powers….it will be interesting. :)
So for now anyway, as the tensions and blood begin to boil—I’m going to hold on to a smile.
Slowly, he opened his eyes and offered John one of his dazzling, rare smiles.
John loved that smile-the joy in it, the honesty of it, and most of all the fact that it was meant just for him.”
Anyway…off to book 5.
January 3, 2016
HANN'YU IS MY BOO...
Ok, ok, ok... *rubs hands together*
I have all these theories, ya see? Like guesses as to what's going on. And so far, well...I don't know if any of them are right. A couple have been revealed to be wrong. But, I'm feeling really confident about a few.
And for those of you who've read this series, my guess is YOU TOO had theories!!! There's a Rifter support group somewhere, right? For like, when this is all over? And when I don't know what to do with myself once it's done? RIGHT? PLEASE!
Book 4 - focuses on John's growth and training of sorts. It's like Karate Kid meets Rocky 4 meets any story where a guy goes away to a train and becomes THE MASTER of all the skilllzzzzz! And there are some really painful moments in this book. And some gross ones that make me want to mind-scrape myself. And some that are so endearingly hopeful I could scream "YESSSSS!!!". And some that, as has happened in each of the books along the way, leave me scratching my head wondering "WTF is happening?".
And that is what is making this journey so PERFECT.
Ok, enough jibber jabber. I've got book 5 to read now!
July 9, 2020
I admit, I'm getting a little impatient for the story to start coming together and making sense. There are devices the author is using that are annoying the longer they go on and are clearly meant to keep the readers in the dark by having the characters not mentioning things to us (or themselves) that they really should have mentioned by now (assuming our theories are correct; that's the only thing keeping me from side-eyeing this. But if they are correct, expect a future rant, lol.). And there's a particular trope introduced right at the end of this section that had me rolling my eyes and throwing up my hands and wanting to smack everyone in the room because it is such a worn out and tired trope that I can't even summon the energy to give a crap about it at the moment. Hopefully, the author will do something different with it.
BUT! I'm still mostly enjoying this, as you can see from my rating. Things in this world suck, and my poor woobies are having to deal with awful crap. I like that there are some lighter moments here and there to break up the tension and dread. But I need things to start gearing up. (I'm going to regret asking for that, aren't I?)
BUT! I'm still mostly enjoying this, as you can see from my rating. Things in this world suck, and my poor woobies are having to deal with awful crap. I like that there are some lighter moments here and there to break up the tension and dread. But I need things to start gearing up. (I'm going to regret asking for that, aren't I?)
August 18, 2022
The confusion is being replaced by boredom
April 13, 2019
I hope the next book won't be just focused on Kyle being Ravishan since I figured that out from book one (when Kyle looked at John's picture and remembered a bit of their time together). Or the fact that John is clearly the Rifter (I don't know why but I guess him being struck by lightning kind of gave it away for me in book one). We got a glimpse of the future and Bill and Laurie weren't there, so I guess I'm wondering about that. I also hope some of the secondary characters will be less two dimensional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2018
4.3 Stars
I am really gonna have to either re-read this entire series when I finish the final installment, or have shorter gaps between readings. This whole series is just too detailed, well-written and intricate to go so long - each time I do it I worry I'll forget what happened. Only, GH does a really good job of summarizing the story so far and once I get a few pages in everything snaps right back into focus.
In this one we get more kisses and TONS of UST...OMG, how are these guys not combusting with need? I mean, I get it...in this 'verse/world being together really could get them killed, and they have to be so careful (and a good thing they have been - for the most part - given that little shit spy Fikiri). But still! Also, it took most of this book but I finally realized who Hann'yu reminded me of: Sister Monica Joan from Call the Midwife. Quietly religious, healers at their core, slightly mischievous and a little rebellious, coming from more egalitarian/diverse backgrounds than those around them. They don't quite fit the mold they're supposed to...they're individuals first and foremost...and in little ways they absolutely break your heart.
And...seriously, I just need the arcs to zipper together already, damnit. After every book I keep thinking that I'm pretty sure what's going on...only, no, I'm not actually sure because it's not spelled out completely yet.
GAH!
Ginn really is a master story-teller.
I am really gonna have to either re-read this entire series when I finish the final installment, or have shorter gaps between readings. This whole series is just too detailed, well-written and intricate to go so long - each time I do it I worry I'll forget what happened. Only, GH does a really good job of summarizing the story so far and once I get a few pages in everything snaps right back into focus.
In this one we get more kisses and TONS of UST...OMG, how are these guys not combusting with need? I mean, I get it...in this 'verse/world being together really could get them killed, and they have to be so careful (and a good thing they have been - for the most part - given that little shit spy Fikiri). But still! Also, it took most of this book but I finally realized who Hann'yu reminded me of: Sister Monica Joan from Call the Midwife. Quietly religious, healers at their core, slightly mischievous and a little rebellious, coming from more egalitarian/diverse backgrounds than those around them. They don't quite fit the mold they're supposed to...they're individuals first and foremost...and in little ways they absolutely break your heart.
And...seriously, I just need the arcs to zipper together already, damnit. After every book I keep thinking that I'm pretty sure what's going on...only, no, I'm not actually sure because it's not spelled out completely yet.
GAH!
Ginn really is a master story-teller.
Read
May 14, 2015
Too soon to rate - will do so when I finish the whole lot.
On to The Holy Road
April 29, 2018
Dear book.
I feel like we both went in different directions. I want 1 thing and you want another. I guess that's ok cause we'll see eye to eye I'm sure by book 10 right!
Mare~Slitsread
I feel like we both went in different directions. I want 1 thing and you want another. I guess that's ok cause we'll see eye to eye I'm sure by book 10 right!
Mare~Slitsread
March 28, 2016
Ok, so the 4th book in the series is the best one yet! I love it! We only have John's (Jahn) POV this time, but I have a suspicion about who Ravishan is. I'm curious if I'm right :D
June 4, 2016
Love these books, brilliantly woven plot!
'John bowed his head and gently kissed Ravishan's lips. He only meant it to be brief and sweet. But then Ravishan closed his eyes and opened his mouth to him. Desire surged through John's body. He pulled Ravishan against him hard, kissing him with a savage hunger.'
- YES!!
'John bowed his head and gently kissed Ravishan's lips. He only meant it to be brief and sweet. But then Ravishan closed his eyes and opened his mouth to him. Desire surged through John's body. He pulled Ravishan against him hard, kissing him with a savage hunger.'
- YES!!
January 11, 2016
This is a good story. The characters are amazing. The world is fascinating. The writing is superb.
The presentation, however, not so much. Keep in mind, tho, that this is my personal opinion and I am very much aware that it does not coincide with the majority of my friends' opinions. Still, I am entitled.
I wish the story was less predictable and was arranged better, i.e compiled into fewer volumes, contained less zig-zagging in time or maybe shorter periods of it. The characters are doubled and tripled, while going back and forth in time, looping in and paradoxing onto themselves in space/time continuum. They are still easily recognized, the author herself makes it easy for us. Hence my confusion over why try to make it harder for the reader to follow all the threads? What's the purpose of it? What's with abandoning characters for 2-3 books in a row?
Try reading the series while having RL happening around you. Good luck! There should be a warning in the beginning of the first book:
DO NOT START, UNLESS YOU HAVE A WEEK OF PEACE AND QUIET TO READ WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS WHATSOEVER ...you know, pesky things like sleep, bathroom breaks or food intake. shit like that. 'cause it disturbs the force (or something) and messes with the flow ofspace/time continuum the story.
I am not a super fast reader and I have kids. My daily activities include meals, cleaning, driving kids around, making out with the hubs, other RL crap we all know too well. Hence I tend to forget things. So my reading slows down even more, because I have to catch up by scrolling through the previous volumes looking things up. During the first four volumes I felt confused and inadequate. Way to go for the author to appeal to the readers. Of course now things are getting clearer, but it doesn't mean I can just shake off the annoyance of the first four volumes.
The presentation, however, not so much. Keep in mind, tho, that this is my personal opinion and I am very much aware that it does not coincide with the majority of my friends' opinions. Still, I am entitled.
I wish the story was less predictable and was arranged better, i.e compiled into fewer volumes, contained less zig-zagging in time or maybe shorter periods of it. The characters are doubled and tripled, while going back and forth in time, looping in and paradoxing onto themselves in space/time continuum. They are still easily recognized, the author herself makes it easy for us. Hence my confusion over why try to make it harder for the reader to follow all the threads? What's the purpose of it? What's with abandoning characters for 2-3 books in a row?
Try reading the series while having RL happening around you. Good luck! There should be a warning in the beginning of the first book:
DO NOT START, UNLESS YOU HAVE A WEEK OF PEACE AND QUIET TO READ WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS WHATSOEVER ...you know, pesky things like sleep, bathroom breaks or food intake. shit like that. 'cause it disturbs the force (or something) and messes with the flow of
I am not a super fast reader and I have kids. My daily activities include meals, cleaning, driving kids around, making out with the hubs, other RL crap we all know too well. Hence I tend to forget things. So my reading slows down even more, because I have to catch up by scrolling through the previous volumes looking things up. During the first four volumes I felt confused and inadequate. Way to go for the author to appeal to the readers. Of course now things are getting clearer, but it doesn't mean I can just shake off the annoyance of the first four volumes.
April 12, 2013
The Rifter series, so far, is outstanding and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I find I'm falling more in love with John and Ravishan with each installment, although I'm now starting to panic about what the future holds for them both and whether or not they'll get their chance of a peaceful life together.
Whilst on the one hand I want John and Ravishan to end up together and walk into the sunset, I don't want to leave Kyle out. I do, however, have a tiny theory at this stage about Kyle and Ravishan, though my theory's are hardly ever correct!
Whilst on the one hand I want John and Ravishan to end up together and walk into the sunset, I don't want to leave Kyle out. I do, however, have a tiny theory at this stage about Kyle and Ravishan, though my theory's are hardly ever correct!
March 14, 2016
Book #4 'Witches Blood' was a lot more of John's/Jahn's background and while I did find it interesting, I also spent a some time wishing that we could take a peek in on Kyle/Kahlil to see what was going on with him.
In spite of the fact that I start each book thinking that there are certain things that I've sorted out in my mind part way into the next book I realize that I don't know what I thought I knew and that I might have actually figured out things that I didn't even realize I knew and by the end of the book I just feel pretty much clueless because I have a whole bunch of puzzle pieces and I can't quite see what fits where. So I think I'll just carry on to book #5 'The Holy Road' and keep collecting puzzle pieces and let them fall where they may until I start to see the picture more clearly.
In spite of the fact that I start each book thinking that there are certain things that I've sorted out in my mind part way into the next book I realize that I don't know what I thought I knew and that I might have actually figured out things that I didn't even realize I knew and by the end of the book I just feel pretty much clueless because I have a whole bunch of puzzle pieces and I can't quite see what fits where. So I think I'll just carry on to book #5 'The Holy Road' and keep collecting puzzle pieces and let them fall where they may until I start to see the picture more clearly.
April 14, 2014
Obviously, John is , and Kyle is . Um, right? Right.
Also, I'm pretty sure the plot of Hann'yu's erotic tale may align with the ultimate plot:
Feel free to laugh at me. My 101 theories are circling each other and completely distracting me at work.
Also, I'm pretty sure the plot of Hann'yu's erotic tale may align with the ultimate plot:
Feel free to laugh at me. My 101 theories are circling each other and completely distracting me at work.
February 18, 2021
4.25 stars.
I much prefer reading Kyle's POV. Jahn is so repressed.
But things are starting unfurling a bit...
I much prefer reading Kyle's POV. Jahn is so repressed.
But things are starting unfurling a bit...
December 19, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Some fabulous moments and touches between Jahn and Ravishan but honestly didn’t feel a lot of progression in the story with this one. Feel it’s definitely building though.
Some fabulous moments and touches between Jahn and Ravishan but honestly didn’t feel a lot of progression in the story with this one. Feel it’s definitely building though.
October 6, 2016
Things are getting dire now that Ravishan is going to be Kahlil soon after the Oracles announce the new Rifter to hunt, not knowing that they have 'The Destroyer' in their very own home all this time.
I have a really bad premonition about what would happen in book 5 and I'm quite sure that John & co.'s secret escape plan is not going to be successful with so many parties want to join the ride to Nayeshi/Earth, to flee this horrible world ruled by theocracy.
Anyway, it's not the first time I noticed this, from the start actually, that some of the elements in this book reminded me of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (TRC) manga by CLAMP and Kanata Kara/From Far Away manga by Hikawa Kyoko.
Not total resemblance, I just thought the aspect of uncertainty of time and space when they travel through time is quite similar, and there's the confusing paradox just like what happened in TRC (if you read TRC, you will know what I mean here). Also the way John & co. tried their best to survive in another world that really foreign to them, including the language part (because I'm so over with some AU fantasy in which both worlds using the same language : English. -__- so there's no need for MCs to learn new language and culture in new place) is similar to what Noriko did in Kanata Kara.
Those resemblances are good imo, not fresh (because nothing is original anymore), but still good, because I love them. I love both TRC & Kanata Kara, and I've only read 4 books from this Rifter series, but I think it's safe enough to say that I love this series. It's always great to find good fantasy that keep you in high spirit when reading, the one that makes you couldn't stop reading, so immersed in the other world that you forget about real life for a while. :)
Off to book 5! XD
I have a really bad premonition about what would happen in book 5 and I'm quite sure that John & co.'s secret escape plan is not going to be successful with so many parties want to join the ride to Nayeshi/Earth, to flee this horrible world ruled by theocracy.
Anyway, it's not the first time I noticed this, from the start actually, that some of the elements in this book reminded me of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (TRC) manga by CLAMP and Kanata Kara/From Far Away manga by Hikawa Kyoko.
Not total resemblance, I just thought the aspect of uncertainty of time and space when they travel through time is quite similar, and there's the confusing paradox just like what happened in TRC (if you read TRC, you will know what I mean here). Also the way John & co. tried their best to survive in another world that really foreign to them, including the language part (because I'm so over with some AU fantasy in which both worlds using the same language : English. -__- so there's no need for MCs to learn new language and culture in new place) is similar to what Noriko did in Kanata Kara.
Those resemblances are good imo, not fresh (because nothing is original anymore), but still good, because I love them. I love both TRC & Kanata Kara, and I've only read 4 books from this Rifter series, but I think it's safe enough to say that I love this series. It's always great to find good fantasy that keep you in high spirit when reading, the one that makes you couldn't stop reading, so immersed in the other world that you forget about real life for a while. :)
Off to book 5! XD
November 14, 2012
Once again wishing there were half-star ratings. This was definitely more like a 3.5.
Interesting developments! This installment was probably the most invested in this series that I've been so far. For the first time, John felt like a real, fleshed-out character and someone I actually felt sympathy for. The world-building remains fascinating - the descriptions are lush and evocative, and I'm quite fascinated with the theocracy background in general and the Payshmura religion in particular. It manages a very striking balance of relentlessness/brutality/asceticism and spiritual enlightenment, cameraderie and mutual support.
I'm not a huge Kyle fan, so I didn't really miss him in this volume, but I'm certainly looking forward to how the two perspectives will be brought back together. I gotta say I'm not always enamoured of the style of writing, but I definitely continue to be intrigued with the world and story. It's one of the more unique crossover fantasies I've encountered.
Interesting developments! This installment was probably the most invested in this series that I've been so far. For the first time, John felt like a real, fleshed-out character and someone I actually felt sympathy for. The world-building remains fascinating - the descriptions are lush and evocative, and I'm quite fascinated with the theocracy background in general and the Payshmura religion in particular. It manages a very striking balance of relentlessness/brutality/asceticism and spiritual enlightenment, cameraderie and mutual support.
I'm not a huge Kyle fan, so I didn't really miss him in this volume, but I'm certainly looking forward to how the two perspectives will be brought back together. I gotta say I'm not always enamoured of the style of writing, but I definitely continue to be intrigued with the world and story. It's one of the more unique crossover fantasies I've encountered.
March 12, 2018
I KNEW I WAS SHIPPING RIGHT
August 26, 2019
Gahhhh so goood!! 😭😍 *cries from perfection*
Everything makes sense nowwwwww, hold me.
Everything makes sense nowwwwww, hold me.
Read
January 10, 2025there are dots being connected in my brain and i do not like the picture they're painting or what it means for my babies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews