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Rifter #5
The Holy Road
Book Five. When John uses a key that belongs to his mysterious, scarred roommate, Kyle, to unlock a door in a crumbling ruin, he and two friends are transported to the world of Basawar.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 2, 2019
Reread 10/1/19
Remember when I read this entire series in, like, 3 days?
The reader part of me misses those days. Y'know the days when I wasn't Captain Slow Read?
But then I remember I actually like my job now so...
Doubtful. But mebbe.
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
WHAAAAAAAAATTT THE FRACKADOOZLE IS GINN HALE EVEN DOING TO MEEEEEE??!?!?!?
Every time I turned around I was all...
There were moments that had me swoony with the heart eyes.
Quickly followed by...
I'm going on record that maybe SOME peoples should, in fact, fear The Rifter. The song remains the anthem but... SOME people should watch themselves because The Rifter is no joke.
Diving directly into Broken Fortress. Because WTH? Sanity's overrated, right?
^^^^actual footage^^^
Remember when I read this entire series in, like, 3 days?
The reader part of me misses those days. Y'know the days when I wasn't Captain Slow Read?
But then I remember I actually like my job now so...
Doubtful. But mebbe.
ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ
WHAAAAAAAAATTT THE FRACKADOOZLE IS GINN HALE EVEN DOING TO MEEEEEE??!?!?!?
Every time I turned around I was all...
There were moments that had me swoony with the heart eyes.
Quickly followed by...
I'm going on record that maybe SOME peoples should, in fact, fear The Rifter. The song remains the anthem but... SOME people should watch themselves because The Rifter is no joke.
Diving directly into Broken Fortress. Because WTH? Sanity's overrated, right?
^^^^actual footage^^^
August 11, 2020
4 Stars
Holy freaking hell is what this is.
The shit has hit the fan and just WOW.
Realization, revelations, the risks and consequences and all things converging into what I suspect will be one explosive plot point is definitely coming to a head.
I continue to be impressed!
Holy freaking hell is what this is.
The shit has hit the fan and just WOW.
Realization, revelations, the risks and consequences and all things converging into what I suspect will be one explosive plot point is definitely coming to a head.
I continue to be impressed!
July 26, 2020
4 Stars
All the moving parts of this complex fantasy saga are starting to come together and make sense.
In this fifth story, many pivotal reveals and realisations come to pass, and plenty of moments of exhilaration and terror are experienced—moments where life and death literally hangs in the balance for many well-established characters.
This story is intense and this world is brutal; it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But once you commit, it’s hard to imagine not barrelling on into the epic fantasy storytelling fray with anything other than intrigue and fascination.
At this point, although I can’t possibly imagine how everything will work out, or how the MCs will possibly get their deserved happily ever after, I still have faith in the author’s abilities to wow me with her innovative storytelling—to whatever ends that takes.
All the moving parts of this complex fantasy saga are starting to come together and make sense.
In this fifth story, many pivotal reveals and realisations come to pass, and plenty of moments of exhilaration and terror are experienced—moments where life and death literally hangs in the balance for many well-established characters.
This story is intense and this world is brutal; it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But once you commit, it’s hard to imagine not barrelling on into the epic fantasy storytelling fray with anything other than intrigue and fascination.
At this point, although I can’t possibly imagine how everything will work out, or how the MCs will possibly get their deserved happily ever after, I still have faith in the author’s abilities to wow me with her innovative storytelling—to whatever ends that takes.
June 21, 2013
Wow! Just when I thought this could not get any better…Wow!
So many questions are swirling and buzzing around my head. The what-ifs have started hitting me. All the pieces and ripples are coming together. By keeping Fikiri alive and being there in Candle Alley, John altered the path and history of so many. If only he had done this, said that, gone there. Life is teeming with little details and what-ifs that can change the course of a moment, day, or person completely. It can boggle the brain and drive us all crazy! But here, in these pages—it will leave you gasping and grinning in awe!
I have to focus on the details for a minute. Ginn Hale can fill a land, room, and page with the beautiful and bloody. “They” say love and the devil are in the details….well then Ms. Hale delivers big time! Smells so rich and potent I can feel them on my skin—perfumes, spices, and foods. Pain so fierce I find myself wincing in sympathy. And the emotions! So many emotions that squeeze my heart to bits. The texture and life Ms. Hale brings to her world is nothing short of breathtaking! The magic of life’s beauty, darkness, and love are captured in her words. From simple pleasures and privileges like crisp apples, warm bread, and comfortable company with laughs and conversation to the dark ugly side of life with violence, betrayal and hiding in fear. It is all here. Even way back in book one, I remember Kyle taking note of how Laurie, Bill, and John took the time to admire the beauty and comfort of the world around them. Stars, woods, and water. The wonder of the supposed small things in life—simple things that make life pulse and move around us. It is scary sometimes how often we just zip on by without really seeing it.
Which brings me to yet another reason why I love Ginn Hale. I find myself savoring my iced tea, enjoying the softness of my bread and the warmth of the sun on my face. This story and world inspires you to enjoy and experience the simple wonders of your day to day world. So many things can get lost in the grind of work and life but after spending time here with John, Kyle, and Ravishan—I find myself stopping. Slowing down to enjoy the details.
Please. I can’t recommend this series more. Oh, wait let me stand on the rooftop and yell! :)
This is a beautiful, scary, thought provoking tale filled with everything that makes life beat and hearts tick. Right now though—I am SHOCKED and scared to the core. What next? What now?
Going in for more!
Favorite Line:
January 4, 2016
Holy shiiiiiiit!!!!!
Talk about 0-60 in nothing flat! Book 5 was equal parts romantic, telling, ominous, conspiratorial, overwhelming, dangerous...and TOTALLY FUCKING BRILLIANT!!!!!
Also, I'm feeling pretty damn good about myself for guessed a couple of the plot twists (which make up for the times I totally missed a few too!)
BEST YET of a series of BESTS.
September 30, 2018
Outstanding! Incredible new developments. Can't talk. Need to read on.
5 stars!
5 stars!
February 3, 2016
Apparently, sleep is not happening. At least not until I get some resolution of what the frick-frack is going on here with Jahn.
This episode saw TRAUMA: chickens coming home to roost, whispers have become loud voices, betrayal and loyalty, sacrifice--sheesh, there's a good bit of it through the entire series and yet, I'm left at an unacceptable point. *huffs*
I've just taken a ride on the extreme emotion roller coaster and I'm back in line buying the next ticket. I gotta know, and anyone who read this as it was being doled out parsimoniously is clinical, absolutely clinically insane.
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
Talk about a change of pace!
Things happen in this installment, people, big things! Some theories are confirmed and some are forever going to remain flight of my overactive imagination, some questions are answered and then more things happen and new questions pop up.
Maybe I’ll have time for a real review by the time I finish this series, but for now you can’t really expect me to stop and write something coherent. Not with how things were left in that last page. Right?!
Talk about a change of pace!
Things happen in this installment, people, big things! Some theories are confirmed and some are forever going to remain flight of my overactive imagination, some questions are answered and then more things happen and new questions pop up.
Maybe I’ll have time for a real review by the time I finish this series, but for now you can’t really expect me to stop and write something coherent. Not with how things were left in that last page. Right?!
November 18, 2013
YES!
I finally have an answer to why I am persevering and reading this series.
This book....this is why!
Everything is coming together...
the fog is clearing in my head and the holes are filling rapidly.
The action has skyrocketed and I'm barely holding on.
There is passion and pain.
There is joyous news and devastating news.
There is hope and despair.
The first few books I fumbled and flailed along.
Was it worth it?
*clutches chest*
considering I still can't catch my breath...Uh huh, it sure as hell was.
My advice?
Yeahhhh,
I have a feeling things are really going to shake, rattle and roll from here on out.
*5 holyshit-holyhell-hold-on stars*
I finally have an answer to why I am persevering and reading this series.
This book....this is why!
Everything is coming together...
the fog is clearing in my head and the holes are filling rapidly.
The action has skyrocketed and I'm barely holding on.
There is passion and pain.
There is joyous news and devastating news.
There is hope and despair.
The first few books I fumbled and flailed along.
Was it worth it?
*clutches chest*
considering I still can't catch my breath...Uh huh, it sure as hell was.
My advice?
Yeahhhh,
I have a feeling things are really going to shake, rattle and roll from here on out.
*5 holyshit-holyhell-hold-on stars*
June 17, 2013
I'm so mad I already used up my 'Shit.Shock and horror.' line in the last book - this one is WAY more apt. Oh sweet Parfir my heart can't stand it.
The Holy Road is my favorite one so far. It's so much darker and more brutal that the other books, death and destruction, torture and mayhem rein down all around John and Ravishan in graphic detail.
The revelations!!! My Parfir! I feel like the biggest dumb-arse right now. Of course that's who he is! Duhhhh, I could hit my head against the wall for being so thick.
The angst is off the charts here. Nothing goes the way you expect, there's no way I'm even going to begin to speculate as to what's coming next. I LOVED this book. LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!
The Holy Road is my favorite one so far. It's so much darker and more brutal that the other books, death and destruction, torture and mayhem rein down all around John and Ravishan in graphic detail.
The revelations!!! My Parfir! I feel like the biggest dumb-arse right now. Of course that's who he is! Duhhhh, I could hit my head against the wall for being so thick.
The angst is off the charts here. Nothing goes the way you expect, there's no way I'm even going to begin to speculate as to what's coming next. I LOVED this book. LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!
December 27, 2016
Can't stop, won't stop.
Read
June 3, 2016
I don't really want to say anything about this because spoilers but OH MY GOD.
Actually one minor concern amidst all THE TERRIBLE OF MY ANGUISHED FEELZ .
I read this with Katness, while clutching my Wild Podgey tiger and sobbing.
July 11, 2020
4.5 stars
Well, I did say if this one didn't pick up, I'd take a break and read something else for a little while. That said, I've already started book 6. 😱😁
Well, I did say if this one didn't pick up, I'd take a break and read something else for a little while. That said, I've already started book 6. 😱😁
April 30, 2018
Holy shit!!!! Omg. Did I just read all that!!! Book 6 next. Dear book, be good to my heart ok
October 14, 2018
Finally some answers. But that ending. 0_0
October 7, 2013
Another amazing contribution to the Rifter series, and this may be my favorite yet!
Book five propels the series forward by leaps and bounds. It's now now clear to the reader who all the key players are, and that we're dealing with different points in time. Relationships have blossomed and moved to the next level, and the wheels of fate--both the Rifter's and the Kahlil's--have been set into motion.
The story, I think, is at its critical point of no return, and I can't wait to see where the tale goes next!
Book five propels the series forward by leaps and bounds. It's now now clear to the reader who all the key players are, and that we're dealing with different points in time. Relationships have blossomed and moved to the next level, and the wheels of fate--both the Rifter's and the Kahlil's--have been set into motion.
The story, I think, is at its critical point of no return, and I can't wait to see where the tale goes next!
February 18, 2021
4.5 stars.
Mind. Totally. Blown.
I mean, I never once suspected Ravishan was who he was. I didn't guess that while Kyle is thrown into the future, John is in the past, and so much is possible there. Like changing the course of history.
I have even more questions now. This series makes my head hurt a bit.
Mind. Totally. Blown.
I mean, I never once suspected Ravishan was who he was. I didn't guess that while Kyle is thrown into the future, John is in the past, and so much is possible there. Like changing the course of history.
I have even more questions now. This series makes my head hurt a bit.
December 5, 2016
Read this with Alexis the Human.
Me right now:
Alcohol. I need alcohol. And a fucking hug.
October 18, 2019
4.25 Stars
I think this is the first book in the series not to jump the timeline and I have to admit, as much as I like the interweaving of the story, it was nice to not be confused or have my brain stuck trying to tie the two separate pieces together.
And wow, that ending! I was basically biting my nails with worry (even though I had my relatively certain suspicions about John's future story-line - which seem to be more solid than ever given the exposition in this installment) but I was really surprised by that last-minute save.
Once again I also wish this were something that could be transitioned to the Small Screen; there is no doubt in my mind it would look as epic as GoT, especially given Ginn's luscious setting descriptions. Sometimes author go into the minutiae of how their 'verse differ or resemble our own, but Ginn seems to balance it perfectly.
Can't wait to get to the next one...putting it on the challenge shelf so that I don't slack off again!
I think this is the first book in the series not to jump the timeline and I have to admit, as much as I like the interweaving of the story, it was nice to not be confused or have my brain stuck trying to tie the two separate pieces together.
And wow, that ending! I was basically biting my nails with worry (even though I had my relatively certain suspicions about John's future story-line - which seem to be more solid than ever given the exposition in this installment) but I was really surprised by that last-minute save.
Once again I also wish this were something that could be transitioned to the Small Screen; there is no doubt in my mind it would look as epic as GoT, especially given Ginn's luscious setting descriptions. Sometimes author go into the minutiae of how their 'verse differ or resemble our own, but Ginn seems to balance it perfectly.
Can't wait to get to the next one...putting it on the challenge shelf so that I don't slack off again!
August 24, 2022
I was mostly bored throughout this book and considered abandoning the series after finishing it, but I have to say that those last 30 pages were wild.
March 14, 2016
I'm really not sure how to explain this but I think there's like crack on the pages of these e-books or something because in spite of the continuing but thankfully slowly diminishing confusion that this story has been creating for me. I don't want to stop. I was going to take a wee break after this book and read just a short story or two but no, I was barely done reading the last word on the page and lo and behold I was pulling up book 6 on my e-reader. So I'm going to admit defeat on this and just devour the books.
I don't know if it was my decision to just read the story and take things as they came or if I've just finally hit the point where the author starts bringing things together but regardless of whether or not I have the answers to all my questions or not book 5 left me feeling pretty satisfied and at the same time anxious to go on to the next book which I have. My one disappointment was that...
So I'm off to read some more of book 6 Broken Fortress and I'm just going to concede that whatever, however I am really enjoying these books and I have faith that by the time I get to the end of book 10 I will have all my answers.
3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed this one more than the previous and because still no 1/2 stars on GR.
I don't know if it was my decision to just read the story and take things as they came or if I've just finally hit the point where the author starts bringing things together but regardless of whether or not I have the answers to all my questions or not book 5 left me feeling pretty satisfied and at the same time anxious to go on to the next book which I have. My one disappointment was that...
So I'm off to read some more of book 6 Broken Fortress and I'm just going to concede that whatever, however I am really enjoying these books and I have faith that by the time I get to the end of book 10 I will have all my answers.
3.5 stars rounded up because I enjoyed this one more than the previous and because still no 1/2 stars on GR.
April 10, 2020
That's all I have because... I feel a tightness in my chest, the air around me has thinned, the tension isn't diminishing. I need to read the next book. Now.
January 5, 2013
1) TIMEY-WIMEYNESS!!
2) OH! I see. John is Harry Potter. See, that actually makes a whole lot more sense.
3) I think I'm finally starting to get it:
This story is a semi-realistic approximation of what it would be like to actually be thrown into a fantasy world, with minimum preparation. That's why I feel uncomfortable about it. That's why I can't say they're good books. That's why I can't say they're bad books. If it actually happened to you (even if you'd read every fantasy book in existence), it wouldn't be exciting. It wouldn't be glorious. It wouldn't be dignified and uplifting and filled with wise elves or whatevs. It would be brutal and confusing and uncomfortable; you'd find out that your RL assets were useless and that you were capable of feats of morally questionable ruthlessness: if somehow you managed to survive, it wouldn't necessarily be a triumph, and if you ever told anyone back in our world about it, it wouldn’t make much sense. If you killed someone, would you know if that made you a hero? A villain? A harmless victim caught in the cross-fire? A person of merit or someone despicable? How well could you lie, if you had to in order to survive? How quickly could you learn an alien language well enough to deceive? How unflinchingly could you eat/drink something abhorrent? How well could you fake abidance by an off-putting religion? How well could you adapt? How well could you murder?
In short, yeah, okay. This is actually kind of brill.
2) OH! I see. John is Harry Potter. See, that actually makes a whole lot more sense.
3) I think I'm finally starting to get it:
This story is a semi-realistic approximation of what it would be like to actually be thrown into a fantasy world, with minimum preparation. That's why I feel uncomfortable about it. That's why I can't say they're good books. That's why I can't say they're bad books. If it actually happened to you (even if you'd read every fantasy book in existence), it wouldn't be exciting. It wouldn't be glorious. It wouldn't be dignified and uplifting and filled with wise elves or whatevs. It would be brutal and confusing and uncomfortable; you'd find out that your RL assets were useless and that you were capable of feats of morally questionable ruthlessness: if somehow you managed to survive, it wouldn't necessarily be a triumph, and if you ever told anyone back in our world about it, it wouldn’t make much sense. If you killed someone, would you know if that made you a hero? A villain? A harmless victim caught in the cross-fire? A person of merit or someone despicable? How well could you lie, if you had to in order to survive? How quickly could you learn an alien language well enough to deceive? How unflinchingly could you eat/drink something abhorrent? How well could you fake abidance by an off-putting religion? How well could you adapt? How well could you murder?
In short, yeah, okay. This is actually kind of brill.
August 31, 2014
This part is just perfect. The romance, action, and politics come together until I was in tears at the end dreading what's to come next. I can't even take a breath before moving on to the next part, its just that good.
Heavy with themes of the corrupting influence of power, as well as religious abuse. The church levying high tithes and priests not paying for everything. A golden beacon among poverty, corruption. Abuse of power, putting the common men in harms way. I loved the philosophical twist.
Heavy with themes of the corrupting influence of power, as well as religious abuse. The church levying high tithes and priests not paying for everything. A golden beacon among poverty, corruption. Abuse of power, putting the common men in harms way. I loved the philosophical twist.
April 14, 2013
This installment of the Rifter was definitely the most traumatic, especially the last section where everything goes horribly wrong, for everyone it would seem. I did however LOVE the ending and had a teary grin on my face when Ravishan arrived, right at the last moment. Luckily Broken Fortress is ready and waiting for me to get stuck into.
June 4, 2016
John's powers increase, things begin to tie together (I think), great drama, a stunning m/m adventure..
'He closed his eyes, listening to the prayers that whispered and rolled through the chamber. They called on the Rifter to lend them strength, to make them fearless, to defend their world. A pang shot through John as he realized that he was the god they so softly called upon and he could offer them nothing.
John bowed his head, mumbling empty prayers in his own temple.'
'He closed his eyes, listening to the prayers that whispered and rolled through the chamber. They called on the Rifter to lend them strength, to make them fearless, to defend their world. A pang shot through John as he realized that he was the god they so softly called upon and he could offer them nothing.
John bowed his head, mumbling empty prayers in his own temple.'
Read
June 4, 2015
Cannot rate while the story is still in progress - this part has been a slow one for me though - will rate when I finish the whole lot.
On to Broken Fortress
BR with Irina
March 29, 2016
Oh WOW! The 5th books was beautiful and gut wrenching at the same time. Jahn and Ravishan finally get a few precious days together and it's beautiful. But the book is filled with big revelations and page turners, it kept me on the edge my seat the whole time. To say that this book is like crack is an understatement. I'm addicted and I only care about getting my next fix!!!
April 14, 2014
Jesus. I need a drink.
September 7, 2017
FUCK! YES!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews