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Rifter #8-10
The Rifter Book Three: His Sacred Bones
Contains parts 8 to 10 of The Rifter series:
8. The Silent City
9. The Iron Temple
10. His Holy Bones
8. The Silent City
9. The Iron Temple
10. His Holy Bones
397 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 10, 2013
Whether it was the Rifter, or John, or Jath’ibaye, it no longer mattered. They were all one. At the center of both of Kahlil’s lives was his dedication to that single man who was his deity, ward, friend, and lover.
Warning: this review contains spoilers pertaining to the previous installments. Any further spoilers pertaining to this book is placed in tags.
I approached this book with trepidation. It is by far the most difficult installment to read in The Rifter trilogy, because readers go into it knowing there is still a gaping hole of knowledge that has yet to come to light. Kyle’s story is a lot of “telling.” John’s story is a lot of “showing.” And while we know from the previous books, or have the gist, of Jathibaye’s history (i.e. who he is, what he’s done, and his current role in Basawar), we now have to experience it. Some may argue that foreknowledge gives us the strength to face our obstacles. Does that make it any easier to read His Sacred Bones? Hell no.
Most of this final book is John’s story. Only the final 30-40 pages continue the cliffhanger ending of Kyle when he reaches the northern ruins. Furthermore, the portion pertaining to John’s story involves him being separated from Ravishan for the majority of the time. This may be a turnoff for the romantic in all of us, but it actually works in this case.
So the majority of the book chronicles John’s introduction to the Faidum, his awareness and awakening to the Rifter’s power and immortality, his ascension to power, and Ravishan’s fate (at this point, we know what happens; we now experience it). And let me say again: this was one of the most difficult things I have ever read. We all remember John as the ecology major in Nayeshi. We’ve seen him murder Dayyid in order to save the most important person in his life. And now, we have to witness how he becomes the man who destroyed an army in one day, ascended to power as a ruling force rivaling the seven houses, and caused the cataclysm that destroyed the Payshmura Church. It was a constant ache in my heart – the guilt and weight of responsibility from one who never wanted to hurt anyone when life was simply just paying the bills. To be responsible for the death of thousands when he could never imagine even just one prior to Basawar. We see how John fights so hard to claim humanity, then try to emulate it knowing he is anything, but. It broke my heart many times over. What readers were missing up to this point was John’s evolution from humanity to God’s incarnation, and now we get it. Therefore, Ravishan’s absence for most of John’s story actually worked. The action was intense and struck me breathless – my brain was numb and I could literally feel my heart palpitating! Ginn Hale depicted scenes of violence and destruction better than anyone I know.
And then there’s Kyle’s story: the conclusion to this fantastic adventure that crosses both boundaries of space and time. Everything happened quickly – emotions crest to a terrifying peak and the impact of such colossal forces threatened to overwhelm my literary senses. I dare any reader to not feel sympathy for even the “bad” guys involved. . I was torn to shreds, because I wanted a story where EVERYONE had a happy ending. But that is not so.
Don’t worry, Kyle and John get their HEA. But this vast journey left a trail of destruction and death in its wake. Lots of people died to get to this point in the story. I can’t think of even one loose end – it seemed like everything had an answer one way or another. I personally don’t believe things happen for a meaningful reason in real life; that yes, there is cause-and-effect, but that doesn’t mean there has to be some divine reason for something shitty to happen. However, if there is one person who can make me believe, it is Ginn Hale. I hated how certain things had to happen, but by the end I accepted it. That in the world of Basawar, perhaps there is a Parfir who makes us go through the pain of experiencing these sad events, because they are necessary in the bigger picture.
The third book also offered a Christmas coda for readers. It was later posted online for everyone else to read here. It was a nice, short read and thought it was a nice extra for readers who want just a little bit more of John and Kyle.
So this concludes my review for The Rifter. I know I keep saying this, but this series is not just a “good” read. It is an experience, and one that I feel very grateful for having. Because not many stories can pierce your heart and stir your soul like a spoon in a bowl of alphabet soup – where it wrecks you with the spectrum of emotions that rivals any rainbow after the storm. John and Kyle may not be up there with some of the more popular M/M pairings out there(i.e. Toreth x Warreth, Hsin x Boyd, Vadim x Dan, Laurent x Damen), but to me they are truly my favorite. Because love like this that defies space, time and death deserves remembrance and a permanent place in my heart.
Warning: this review contains spoilers pertaining to the previous installments. Any further spoilers pertaining to this book is placed in tags.
I approached this book with trepidation. It is by far the most difficult installment to read in The Rifter trilogy, because readers go into it knowing there is still a gaping hole of knowledge that has yet to come to light. Kyle’s story is a lot of “telling.” John’s story is a lot of “showing.” And while we know from the previous books, or have the gist, of Jathibaye’s history (i.e. who he is, what he’s done, and his current role in Basawar), we now have to experience it. Some may argue that foreknowledge gives us the strength to face our obstacles. Does that make it any easier to read His Sacred Bones? Hell no.
Most of this final book is John’s story. Only the final 30-40 pages continue the cliffhanger ending of Kyle when he reaches the northern ruins. Furthermore, the portion pertaining to John’s story involves him being separated from Ravishan for the majority of the time. This may be a turnoff for the romantic in all of us, but it actually works in this case.
So the majority of the book chronicles John’s introduction to the Faidum, his awareness and awakening to the Rifter’s power and immortality, his ascension to power, and Ravishan’s fate (at this point, we know what happens; we now experience it). And let me say again: this was one of the most difficult things I have ever read. We all remember John as the ecology major in Nayeshi. We’ve seen him murder Dayyid in order to save the most important person in his life. And now, we have to witness how he becomes the man who destroyed an army in one day, ascended to power as a ruling force rivaling the seven houses, and caused the cataclysm that destroyed the Payshmura Church. It was a constant ache in my heart – the guilt and weight of responsibility from one who never wanted to hurt anyone when life was simply just paying the bills. To be responsible for the death of thousands when he could never imagine even just one prior to Basawar. We see how John fights so hard to claim humanity, then try to emulate it knowing he is anything, but. It broke my heart many times over. What readers were missing up to this point was John’s evolution from humanity to God’s incarnation, and now we get it. Therefore, Ravishan’s absence for most of John’s story actually worked. The action was intense and struck me breathless – my brain was numb and I could literally feel my heart palpitating! Ginn Hale depicted scenes of violence and destruction better than anyone I know.
And then there’s Kyle’s story: the conclusion to this fantastic adventure that crosses both boundaries of space and time. Everything happened quickly – emotions crest to a terrifying peak and the impact of such colossal forces threatened to overwhelm my literary senses. I dare any reader to not feel sympathy for even the “bad” guys involved. . I was torn to shreds, because I wanted a story where EVERYONE had a happy ending. But that is not so.
Don’t worry, Kyle and John get their HEA. But this vast journey left a trail of destruction and death in its wake. Lots of people died to get to this point in the story. I can’t think of even one loose end – it seemed like everything had an answer one way or another. I personally don’t believe things happen for a meaningful reason in real life; that yes, there is cause-and-effect, but that doesn’t mean there has to be some divine reason for something shitty to happen. However, if there is one person who can make me believe, it is Ginn Hale. I hated how certain things had to happen, but by the end I accepted it. That in the world of Basawar, perhaps there is a Parfir who makes us go through the pain of experiencing these sad events, because they are necessary in the bigger picture.
The third book also offered a Christmas coda for readers. It was later posted online for everyone else to read here. It was a nice, short read and thought it was a nice extra for readers who want just a little bit more of John and Kyle.
So this concludes my review for The Rifter. I know I keep saying this, but this series is not just a “good” read. It is an experience, and one that I feel very grateful for having. Because not many stories can pierce your heart and stir your soul like a spoon in a bowl of alphabet soup – where it wrecks you with the spectrum of emotions that rivals any rainbow after the storm. John and Kyle may not be up there with some of the more popular M/M pairings out there(i.e. Toreth x Warreth, Hsin x Boyd, Vadim x Dan, Laurent x Damen), but to me they are truly my favorite. Because love like this that defies space, time and death deserves remembrance and a permanent place in my heart.
April 15, 2023
Gosh, I’d forgotten how dark this story gets at the end. It all makes sense in the end though, even when I forget. Lol. I love Rousma as a character and wish we’d gotten more of her all along, but that’s not how the plot goes. Anyway, this is a great conclusion to a fantastic series. No doubt I’ll pick it up again at some point in the future. This is still a favorite and probably always will be.
November 24, 2015
So very good and gave me the payoff I needed but didn't necessarily expect to get.
I had to take a break before picking up another book because this story wouldn't let me go.
Exciting, heart-pounding, and moving.
Just wonderful.
I had to take a break before picking up another book because this story wouldn't let me go.
Exciting, heart-pounding, and moving.
Just wonderful.
April 13, 2024
Excellent conclusion to the trilogy and worth the wait, and the trip from Phoenix (the sole copy in my library system was pulled as damaged months ago, and it came through interlibrary loan all the way from Arizona). The pieces from John’s narration that were carefully moved into place in the first two books are finally in motion, so we can see how he becomes the Jath’ibaye we meet in Kahlil’s story.
The sole reason this wasn’t five stars for me is a personal preference that may not bother everyone, but it does me, so here goes: I have trouble overlooking John’s
It’s also a particularly brutal world, exceedingly well developed but slightly harder to keep track of details than the worlds in her later books. Definitely worth finishing, not as great as it could have been.
The sole reason this wasn’t five stars for me is a personal preference that may not bother everyone, but it does me, so here goes: I have trouble overlooking John’s
It’s also a particularly brutal world, exceedingly well developed but slightly harder to keep track of details than the worlds in her later books. Definitely worth finishing, not as great as it could have been.
December 14, 2016
More than 5 stars if I could...
spoilers ahead
The last instalment of The Rifter trilogy reveals how Jahn became Jath’ibaye, and also what happened to Ravishan and why Jahn felt so guilty about it. It is a masterpiece, both heartbreaking and completely riveting at the same time; I spent the whole book suffering, waiting for Ravisham's fate and when it came, it broke my heart. Thankfully, Ginn Hale mended it again at the end, making it stronger as the relationship between John and Kyle/Ravishan.
I find myself at lack of words to describe how much I loved these books. Ravishan and John's love story will remain with me forever, and it is one I'll certainly visit again in the future. The setting, the language, the history and biology of Basawar, the complexity of the characters and the reasons behind their actions… there is no good or evil in these books, each action has a reason and knowing it makes you understand and somehow forgive. John destroyed half of the world because of his pain and rage at losing Ravishan… How can we blame Loshai for wanting to do the same to bring her love back? Despite all the pain she brings, she is only another victim...
Jahn and Ravishan's story refuses to leave my mind. I have plenty of questions about their future together, I want to know where they go and what they do, if they manage to stay together forever or if Kyle is still mortal… While reading the book I dreamt about it, it gripped my mind completely, though I must recognise I was pacing myself, trying to make the story last forever, reading a couple of chapters every night and spending the rest of the day wondering what was to come next. It's been a sweet torture, and I did not want it to end. I still do not want it to end. Can't we have some more of this wonderful story, Miss Hale? Please?
spoilers ahead
The last instalment of The Rifter trilogy reveals how Jahn became Jath’ibaye, and also what happened to Ravishan and why Jahn felt so guilty about it. It is a masterpiece, both heartbreaking and completely riveting at the same time; I spent the whole book suffering, waiting for Ravisham's fate and when it came, it broke my heart. Thankfully, Ginn Hale mended it again at the end, making it stronger as the relationship between John and Kyle/Ravishan.
I find myself at lack of words to describe how much I loved these books. Ravishan and John's love story will remain with me forever, and it is one I'll certainly visit again in the future. The setting, the language, the history and biology of Basawar, the complexity of the characters and the reasons behind their actions… there is no good or evil in these books, each action has a reason and knowing it makes you understand and somehow forgive. John destroyed half of the world because of his pain and rage at losing Ravishan… How can we blame Loshai for wanting to do the same to bring her love back? Despite all the pain she brings, she is only another victim...
Jahn and Ravishan's story refuses to leave my mind. I have plenty of questions about their future together, I want to know where they go and what they do, if they manage to stay together forever or if Kyle is still mortal… While reading the book I dreamt about it, it gripped my mind completely, though I must recognise I was pacing myself, trying to make the story last forever, reading a couple of chapters every night and spending the rest of the day wondering what was to come next. It's been a sweet torture, and I did not want it to end. I still do not want it to end. Can't we have some more of this wonderful story, Miss Hale? Please?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2013
Revolution in Basawar reveals the terrifying power of John's true nature as The Rifter draws to a close. John's growth in this final third is, as much of the series has been, a long, slow burn, but it's ultimately effective and the scale of both his power and the book's conclusion is epic and well-detailed. The relationship between the two protagonists is also more successful in this volume (perhaps thanks to the addition of sex scenes, perhaps simply because it's been so important for so long by this point). The Rifter has numerous flaws: it's one or two hundred pages too long, supporting characters vary in quality, the protagonists remain more compelling as individuals than they are in a relationship, the actual climax fails to be as memorable as John's apocalyptic abilities, and the bridge that unites the two Basawars is sometimes simplistic and sometimes sketchy. But the series ends with the same satisfying cohesion that has made it such a pleasure to read--it's a carefully developed story and world, imperfect but relentlessly engaging, and the author's love for her creation brings it to life. These aren't books I'll cherish, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and give them a solid recommendation. I will probably read more by Hale at a later date.
November 3, 2016
FINALLY I'M DONE !!!!!!
June 3, 2019
“It hurt the way killing a friend ought to ache and burn”.
Mi autocito parte 2: “Adesso comunque la situazione è molto più chiara.”
Epifanie come non si sono mai viste.
C'è un momento che sono sicura l'autrice non avesse inteso come intermezzo comico ma a me ha fatto ridere.
John: “In trent'anni io e Fikiri saremo riusciti a raggiungere una tregua”
John letteralmente una pagina dopo: Dice a Fikiri di andare a morire ammazzato
Maaaaaaa che cazzo fai John?
Io ho riso. Mi ha fatto ridere l'enorme ironia che pervade l'intera scena, tutto il monologo precedente di John che dice che Fikiri ha solo 17 anni e lui essendo più grande deve essere quello maturo e cercare di fare pace con lui, trenta secondi prima di sfancularlo. Boh, io ho potuto solo ridere.
♠ Non mi ha convinta la rinascita di Kyle. Ho capito che doveva andare così, che la cosa aveva senso considerando ciò che avevamo giù visto nel futuro, che era un cerchio che doveva chiudersi e si chiude anche in modo interessante e che era un modo intelligente di risolvere la questione Kyle/Ravishan. Però mi ha lasciata freddina. Perchè annulla tutto ciò che è successo prima, tutte le torture, tutto il dolore, persino l'amputazione del dito perde senso visto che tanto per cominciare, non era necessaria in quanto John sta già venendo a salvarlo e non c'è bisogno che usi un esca, secondo la mancanza del dito non avrebbe sconvolto ne la vita di Kyle ne quella di John, si sarebbero continuati ad amare nello stesso identico modo di prima. Capisco che quella scena dovesse risultare drammatica, che avrei dovuto provare paura e angoscia per Kyle, e ho sentito ogni cosa, davvero, ma allora non ha senso che nemmeno 10 pagine dopo questo immenso dolore lo fai tornare come nuovo?
♠ Se consideriamo poi che questi due non hanno mai avuto un attimo di tregua e hanno passato una vita d'inferno avrei gradito un po' più di tempo passato nel presente/futuro, avrei gradito rivedere gli altri personaggi soffermandoci un po' di più che un semplice pensiero di John (Tra l'altro chi cazzo è Du'rai? Lo avevo gia visto?), avrei gradito veramente vederli ballare o vivere la vita tranquilla e felice che si meritano.
♠ Tutto bello, comunque. Una serie che vale davvero. Non si può nemmeno usare la scusa dei dieci libri visto che solo due o tre superano le 100 pagine. A tratti la storia risulta un po' troppo lenta per poi risolvere le cose nel giro di 20/30 pagine. Per dire che la risoluzione finale inizia a pagina 70/80 di un libro di 120 pagine.
Mi autocito parte 2: “Adesso comunque la situazione è molto più chiara.”
Epifanie come non si sono mai viste.
C'è un momento che sono sicura l'autrice non avesse inteso come intermezzo comico ma a me ha fatto ridere.
John: “In trent'anni io e Fikiri saremo riusciti a raggiungere una tregua”
John letteralmente una pagina dopo: Dice a Fikiri di andare a morire ammazzato
Maaaaaaa che cazzo fai John?
Io ho riso. Mi ha fatto ridere l'enorme ironia che pervade l'intera scena, tutto il monologo precedente di John che dice che Fikiri ha solo 17 anni e lui essendo più grande deve essere quello maturo e cercare di fare pace con lui, trenta secondi prima di sfancularlo. Boh, io ho potuto solo ridere.
♠ Non mi ha convinta la rinascita di Kyle. Ho capito che doveva andare così, che la cosa aveva senso considerando ciò che avevamo giù visto nel futuro, che era un cerchio che doveva chiudersi e si chiude anche in modo interessante e che era un modo intelligente di risolvere la questione Kyle/Ravishan. Però mi ha lasciata freddina. Perchè annulla tutto ciò che è successo prima, tutte le torture, tutto il dolore, persino l'amputazione del dito perde senso visto che tanto per cominciare, non era necessaria in quanto John sta già venendo a salvarlo e non c'è bisogno che usi un esca, secondo la mancanza del dito non avrebbe sconvolto ne la vita di Kyle ne quella di John, si sarebbero continuati ad amare nello stesso identico modo di prima. Capisco che quella scena dovesse risultare drammatica, che avrei dovuto provare paura e angoscia per Kyle, e ho sentito ogni cosa, davvero, ma allora non ha senso che nemmeno 10 pagine dopo questo immenso dolore lo fai tornare come nuovo?
♠ Se consideriamo poi che questi due non hanno mai avuto un attimo di tregua e hanno passato una vita d'inferno avrei gradito un po' più di tempo passato nel presente/futuro, avrei gradito rivedere gli altri personaggi soffermandoci un po' di più che un semplice pensiero di John (Tra l'altro chi cazzo è Du'rai? Lo avevo gia visto?), avrei gradito veramente vederli ballare o vivere la vita tranquilla e felice che si meritano.
♠ Tutto bello, comunque. Una serie che vale davvero. Non si può nemmeno usare la scusa dei dieci libri visto che solo due o tre superano le 100 pagine. A tratti la storia risulta un po' troppo lenta per poi risolvere le cose nel giro di 20/30 pagine. Per dire che la risoluzione finale inizia a pagina 70/80 di un libro di 120 pagine.
August 20, 2020
Finishing this series feels like having lived a whole other life. The world is so intricate and dark, it reminds me anime to be honest, but the overall story plays beautifully with typical tropes of ending up in another world. It shows the struggle against destiny as well as against an oppressive world in a well paced way that makes you feel every turn of the knife.
The structure of going back and forth in time serves the story really well until the first half of the third book, by which point we know what's going to happen and it becomes a little distracting while you wait on edge for it to just happen, but once it does everything is back up in the air and full of anxious suspense.
The characters are so well made and have so many layers, even characters that don't seem to fit your usual pattern of interest will grow on you and pull you in. The love story especially was really well done. It has so many different aspects, takes it's time in moments, rushes passionately in others, and overall is just really wonderful. I'm going to miss John and Ravishan. (And Ji, and Saimura, and Laurie, and Samsango, Pesha, Alidas, and Hannyu, just this whole world really.)
Honestly, this author is incredible and this series seems like such a step forward in growth compared to her earlier writing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
One thing I want to point out about the versions though: I read the first two volume via paper copies, but this one was IMPOSSIBLE to find. I seriously looked for MONTHS. Eventually, I had to switch to the digital, shorter books for this one and I just want to point out that there is a tiny gap between them. This says books 8-10, but some of the chapters are in the digital book 7. So, if you are like me and started with paper and now have to switch to digital, you actually need book 7 as well. Totally worth it.
The structure of going back and forth in time serves the story really well until the first half of the third book, by which point we know what's going to happen and it becomes a little distracting while you wait on edge for it to just happen, but once it does everything is back up in the air and full of anxious suspense.
The characters are so well made and have so many layers, even characters that don't seem to fit your usual pattern of interest will grow on you and pull you in. The love story especially was really well done. It has so many different aspects, takes it's time in moments, rushes passionately in others, and overall is just really wonderful. I'm going to miss John and Ravishan. (And Ji, and Saimura, and Laurie, and Samsango, Pesha, Alidas, and Hannyu, just this whole world really.)
Honestly, this author is incredible and this series seems like such a step forward in growth compared to her earlier writing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
One thing I want to point out about the versions though: I read the first two volume via paper copies, but this one was IMPOSSIBLE to find. I seriously looked for MONTHS. Eventually, I had to switch to the digital, shorter books for this one and I just want to point out that there is a tiny gap between them. This says books 8-10, but some of the chapters are in the digital book 7. So, if you are like me and started with paper and now have to switch to digital, you actually need book 7 as well. Totally worth it.
November 20, 2019
not going to lie: i was expecting more for the final of this series. however, it had some surprises i didn’t see coming like John being direct responsible for Ravishan's death.
my problem was that i just didn’t buy all the reasons John keep giving to not try and rescue Laurie: he went Rifter mode two times because he thought Ravishan was in danger but his friend was in a place where she’d have her skin ripped off while alive so why didn’t he do anything? it makes sad but i felt like John was a terrible friend to Laurie and that he didn’t care much about his friends except for Ravishan which is basically the accusations Fikiri threw at his face and....i kinda agree with him.
also, for some reason i was way more invested in Kyle and Jath'ibaye relationship (their future versions?) than Jahn and Ravishan's version which is really weird because they’re supposedly the same but i like way more the first one.
i don't know i was kind of disappointed with this ending; also, though i want to point out how good the worldbuilding is, maybe next time we can have a worldbuilding that’s not prone to torture/suffering of all characters but ESPECIALLY centered in the suffering of women??? like pretty please. and if you're gonna introduce female characters in a world like that, maybe give them better friends.
and to end this sadly negative review with something positive: i love Saimura very much and i wanted more information about him (his lover is that priest's son???) i want a spin off about him being happy with his lover because he deserves it.
my problem was that i just didn’t buy all the reasons John keep giving to not try and rescue Laurie: he went Rifter mode two times because he thought Ravishan was in danger but his friend was in a place where she’d have her skin ripped off while alive so why didn’t he do anything? it makes sad but i felt like John was a terrible friend to Laurie and that he didn’t care much about his friends except for Ravishan which is basically the accusations Fikiri threw at his face and....i kinda agree with him.
also, for some reason i was way more invested in Kyle and Jath'ibaye relationship (their future versions?) than Jahn and Ravishan's version which is really weird because they’re supposedly the same but i like way more the first one.
i don't know i was kind of disappointed with this ending; also, though i want to point out how good the worldbuilding is, maybe next time we can have a worldbuilding that’s not prone to torture/suffering of all characters but ESPECIALLY centered in the suffering of women??? like pretty please. and if you're gonna introduce female characters in a world like that, maybe give them better friends.
and to end this sadly negative review with something positive: i love Saimura very much and i wanted more information about him (his lover is that priest's son???) i want a spin off about him being happy with his lover because he deserves it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2017
So I haven't written reviews for the first two books in this series, so this will kind of be relevant to all of them. I gave the first two three stars and this only two, but I don't necessarily think the first two were better. It's just that having reached the end my feeling for the whole things comes closer to "it's o.k." For a self published/ kind of amateur series, the writing quality is very high and the story pretty solid. But it felt kinda of amateurish too, like it could have used an editor. At times it's very boring and almost never is it particularly narratively compelling. It's great/fine that there is a gay hero. It's cool that he is a badass, essentially a god. But I very much dislike the romantic, sexual heavy-handedness in this series. I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with my being a straight man. I just don't like this much melodramatic romance and stilted sex in my fantasy, or really any fiction. I'm glad that Ginn Hale's series had so many very positive reviews, but I'm surprised there is so little negative. These books are very flawed, and I would think even Hale fans would see more of that. I understand there is a certain level of quality here, I just don't see the greatness that most Goodreaders
seem to have seen. Subjectively I was often bored and underwhelmed with this whole story, though objectively there are many ways in which it is competent, and occasionally impressive. Weird review, I know.
seem to have seen. Subjectively I was often bored and underwhelmed with this whole story, though objectively there are many ways in which it is competent, and occasionally impressive. Weird review, I know.
March 20, 2025
Content warning: gore, torture
What a great read. It may not be the most polished, but I had a lot of fun. The stakes were high, and for a while there
The ending was satisfying, I loved all the characters. I'm sad it's over.
What a great read. It may not be the most polished, but I had a lot of fun. The stakes were high, and for a while there
The ending was satisfying, I loved all the characters. I'm sad it's over.
May 3, 2024
This series is everything.
November 18, 2014
I ought to write my individual reviews for each book in the series but I figured that it’s more proper for me to consider each book as part of a whole saga (containing seven arcs) encompassing thirty years in the life of John, a human transported into another realm – a world where his housemate Kyle came from.
The epicness of this series is just beyond me! I enjoyed and loved every second of reading this ten-part series. What I appreciate most though is the fact that as much as possible, the author tried solving all the loopholes in it. What totally bugs me is the conclusion which I would be discussing a little later on.
So John along with his friends (a couple named Laurie and Bill) were accidentally transported into Basawar (think of a Narnia-like world minus the talking animals), the place where his odd housemate Kyle “apparently” came from. Kyle is the “Kahlil” who was destined / ordained to kill John who’s the incarnation of their god. He’s the human seen by the oracle who will be destroying all of Basawar.
The plot of the story thickens as John meets the young handsome priest Ravishan who is training to become the next Kahlil. Meeting Ravishan made their tumultuous entrance into Basawar more bearable but their world is about to get more complicated as John and his friends found themselves under the Bousim household where John was forced to accompany Firiki (The son of the lady in Bousim household) into the doors of Rathal’pesha to train as an ushiri (in contention of becoming a Kahlil). There, John meets Ravishan again and has shown potential to become a priest himself. Due to discrimination, he was relegated as some sort of a medic priest. As the story goes by, John was able to piece everything together coming to the conclusion that Ravishan and his housemate were one and the same, although John first meets Kyle as a Kahlil and this kahlil in training – Ravishan is the guy he fell in love with.
At times, the story tends to be a tad bit confusing because of the interchanging timeline in it especially during the second arc but as it went by, it’s just like reading some sort of backstory although at one point – the past and the present (see, Kyle followed the trio into Basawar) meets (ala Lake House meeting of some sort) and their reunion was truly one for the books.
I actually cried a little for John who is now known as J’aitbaya. I cried because he’s been living in Basawar for 30 years and was still nursing his broken heart from his separation from Ravishan. Although one and the same. Kyle still felt different from Ravishan. It’s like he’s simply a replacement of his young self. But all the same, John still love Ravishan and gave the same affection to Kyle.
Now the question bugging me at the end, is Kyle immortal now like John? After he passed on, he was possessed by the holy bones of the young Ravishan. Did he become immortal himself the way the oracles are immortals? I sure hope so because these two more than deserved to be together especially after what they have gone through.
To conclude this, I wished that more people would read this series because of its exceptional story that you’d regret missing. The humanity in it is truly heartfelt and the way John and Kyle have proven their love and devotion for each other was truly an amazing feat. It’s just so beautiful it almost hurts.
‘tis definitely one of my favorite series – another great feat to achieve by one of my new favorite authors – Ginn Hale who brought us the amazing Wicked Gentleman and the stunning Lord Of The White Hell. Indeed, Hail Ginn Hale!
The epicness of this series is just beyond me! I enjoyed and loved every second of reading this ten-part series. What I appreciate most though is the fact that as much as possible, the author tried solving all the loopholes in it. What totally bugs me is the conclusion which I would be discussing a little later on.
So John along with his friends (a couple named Laurie and Bill) were accidentally transported into Basawar (think of a Narnia-like world minus the talking animals), the place where his odd housemate Kyle “apparently” came from. Kyle is the “Kahlil” who was destined / ordained to kill John who’s the incarnation of their god. He’s the human seen by the oracle who will be destroying all of Basawar.
The plot of the story thickens as John meets the young handsome priest Ravishan who is training to become the next Kahlil. Meeting Ravishan made their tumultuous entrance into Basawar more bearable but their world is about to get more complicated as John and his friends found themselves under the Bousim household where John was forced to accompany Firiki (The son of the lady in Bousim household) into the doors of Rathal’pesha to train as an ushiri (in contention of becoming a Kahlil). There, John meets Ravishan again and has shown potential to become a priest himself. Due to discrimination, he was relegated as some sort of a medic priest. As the story goes by, John was able to piece everything together coming to the conclusion that Ravishan and his housemate were one and the same, although John first meets Kyle as a Kahlil and this kahlil in training – Ravishan is the guy he fell in love with.
At times, the story tends to be a tad bit confusing because of the interchanging timeline in it especially during the second arc but as it went by, it’s just like reading some sort of backstory although at one point – the past and the present (see, Kyle followed the trio into Basawar) meets (ala Lake House meeting of some sort) and their reunion was truly one for the books.
I actually cried a little for John who is now known as J’aitbaya. I cried because he’s been living in Basawar for 30 years and was still nursing his broken heart from his separation from Ravishan. Although one and the same. Kyle still felt different from Ravishan. It’s like he’s simply a replacement of his young self. But all the same, John still love Ravishan and gave the same affection to Kyle.
Now the question bugging me at the end, is Kyle immortal now like John? After he passed on, he was possessed by the holy bones of the young Ravishan. Did he become immortal himself the way the oracles are immortals? I sure hope so because these two more than deserved to be together especially after what they have gone through.
To conclude this, I wished that more people would read this series because of its exceptional story that you’d regret missing. The humanity in it is truly heartfelt and the way John and Kyle have proven their love and devotion for each other was truly an amazing feat. It’s just so beautiful it almost hurts.
‘tis definitely one of my favorite series – another great feat to achieve by one of my new favorite authors – Ginn Hale who brought us the amazing Wicked Gentleman and the stunning Lord Of The White Hell. Indeed, Hail Ginn Hale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2015
it's over... this book.. no this series has destroyed me with emotions. The last book of this incredible saga concentrates on John who adjusts to his new role as Jath'ibaye and The Rifter. When I found out how Ravishan died I felt almost betrayed by John how could he do that? I completely understood why he tried to bring the building down on top of himself. This novel looks at how john finds his place among the Fai'daum rebels and how he deals with the horrors that he must face in an upcoming war. This book is filled with action and terror and only slightly broken up with the relief of Ravishan company. Even though Ravishan is absent from most of this book the reader is shown just how deep the bond is between the two.
I will never gorget about John and Kyle they will forever have a special place in my heart and imagination.This series is definitely worth pursuing as although it can be very confusing at the beginning that is the beauty of these three book. Hale makes the reader work for the pleasure of understand how these two worlds link up to one another and its not really until the end of the second book that we understand what is happening.
I didn't want this book to end but the ending came far to quickly as i couldn't put this incredible book down. I read in Laura's review that she didn't want to find the words to describe this series because it was too special and I completely understand. I want to keep this book all to myself but also scream to the world about what I have found - so please read this amazing, wonderful, heart wenching book and experience a world that is brutal but also filled with a love that blessed by a god.
I will never gorget about John and Kyle they will forever have a special place in my heart and imagination.This series is definitely worth pursuing as although it can be very confusing at the beginning that is the beauty of these three book. Hale makes the reader work for the pleasure of understand how these two worlds link up to one another and its not really until the end of the second book that we understand what is happening.
I didn't want this book to end but the ending came far to quickly as i couldn't put this incredible book down. I read in Laura's review that she didn't want to find the words to describe this series because it was too special and I completely understand. I want to keep this book all to myself but also scream to the world about what I have found - so please read this amazing, wonderful, heart wenching book and experience a world that is brutal but also filled with a love that blessed by a god.
June 22, 2015
Fans of Ginn Hale and her series, The Rifter, won't be disappointed in Book 3, His Sacred Bones, the conclusion to the series, a conclusion no less compelling than Books 1 and 2.
I am struck by three things here: Hale's building, the love story of John and Ravishan, and the parallel time tracks--a character can die in one and survive in another.
Basawar, this other world, a gate away from our own, is beautifully created in rich and satisfying detail. Basawar is believable. It is dark and murderous--young women are sometimes made into Issusha, "fleshless oracles." In a way, this world gives one a private tour of Hale's imagination and this is tour well worth taking.
The parallel time tracks took me a little while to sort out, but it is okay, I think, to ask a reader to invest time and energy into understanding a writer's world. That the heart of this book, and of the whole series, is the love story between John and Ravishan (aka Kyle or Kahlil). I am struck by the power of their love, even as it is tested and brought to grief more than once.
I would argue that this entire saga is just that, a love story, and a celebration of the enduring power of love.
Read this series.
I am struck by three things here: Hale's building, the love story of John and Ravishan, and the parallel time tracks--a character can die in one and survive in another.
Basawar, this other world, a gate away from our own, is beautifully created in rich and satisfying detail. Basawar is believable. It is dark and murderous--young women are sometimes made into Issusha, "fleshless oracles." In a way, this world gives one a private tour of Hale's imagination and this is tour well worth taking.
The parallel time tracks took me a little while to sort out, but it is okay, I think, to ask a reader to invest time and energy into understanding a writer's world. That the heart of this book, and of the whole series, is the love story between John and Ravishan (aka Kyle or Kahlil). I am struck by the power of their love, even as it is tested and brought to grief more than once.
I would argue that this entire saga is just that, a love story, and a celebration of the enduring power of love.
Read this series.
April 6, 2025
I wish I could give this book more than just 5 stars
March 3, 2015
A good conclusion to the trilogy. My favorite part is definitely the second one as this one felt a little repetitive at times which is maybe due to the original publication in 10 ebook installments. All in all, the overall story could have benefited from a little bit of editing. Nonetheless, the world created is simply marvelous and I'm a big fan of the magic system employed here. I also appreciate a book that while still delivering a high quality epic fantasy story manages to step away from mainstream heterosexual pairings and include a wonderful m/m romance. Though this third part focused a little too much on just the romance aspect for my liking .. yet it did make sense as the relationship that was built up in the first two books forms such an important part of the conclusion. I'm looking forward to reading the other works of Ginn Hale that I don't know yet as I really enjoy her writing style.
April 5, 2015
It's really only in these final parts that the real epic scope of the story comes through; the series starts small and ends in cataclysm in a whole other world, really. The way the narrative is constructed, in two separate timelines that only connect meaningfully halfway through the series, works better earlier on than it does here; by the time we jump timelines in the last novella, I've almost forgotten what came before and where we're at. The fact that I never quite got the hang of the language—it's difficult to jump back and forth to a glossary in an ebook—was a bit of a barrier to my connection with the world and the story. Overall a good series with a lot of interesting elements, but I still like the author's later works more.
April 4, 2020
This book series was truly amazing! It had everything that I want in a fantasy book. It had an invented language, maps, and most important of all a world which felt new and exiting.
The thing that I like about fantasy is that you get to explore something different, a new world filled with plants, animals, societies, religions, people and inventions. The world that Ginn Hale have created in this book series felt new and different from many other fantasy worlds and I really appreciated this.
I will miss the character, John and Ravishan, and the world which they inhabit. I would really like to read a sequel and I will definitely reread the existing books.
The thing that I like about fantasy is that you get to explore something different, a new world filled with plants, animals, societies, religions, people and inventions. The world that Ginn Hale have created in this book series felt new and different from many other fantasy worlds and I really appreciated this.
I will miss the character, John and Ravishan, and the world which they inhabit. I would really like to read a sequel and I will definitely reread the existing books.
March 29, 2016
*4.5 STARS*
Damn it, this was super amazing! It was compared to Captive Prince but definitely no, I love much more Laurent and Damen, but Ravishan and Jahn are still pretty fantastic. I loved their relationship, it was extra cute, and they made each so happy, so I was happy too:)
I wish I could have more short stories about The Rifter, and see more about the world building, the amazing characters and just everything, but more than anything, I want more Ravishan and Jahn. ❤️
Damn it, this was super amazing! It was compared to Captive Prince but definitely no, I love much more Laurent and Damen, but Ravishan and Jahn are still pretty fantastic. I loved their relationship, it was extra cute, and they made each so happy, so I was happy too:)
I wish I could have more short stories about The Rifter, and see more about the world building, the amazing characters and just everything, but more than anything, I want more Ravishan and Jahn. ❤️
February 22, 2016
Other reviewers are using words like 'saga' to describe this series, and if we set aside the Germanic implications of that term, I think it is accurate both as a measure of scale and a measure of scope. This final book, in particular, absolutely sparkles as it draws together a very complicated set of rival plotlines and paints a universe with unexpected hope.
October 31, 2013
thank you ginn hale - the most gripping and amazing read i have had in many many years.
just thank you.
just thank you.
July 31, 2014
Those 5 stars are for the whole thing, because I read it all at once and JFC what an absolutely stunning epic.
June 1, 2014
My chest is aching.
April 23, 2015
A great finale for the Rifter Series. I cried and laughed and was in awe of this terrible beautiful and terrible cruel world.
October 7, 2016
Rating: 4.5 stars
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