What do you think?
Rate this book
Riftborn #4
Promise of Vipers: An Urban Fantasy Thriller
Political plots, ancient foes, and old grudges lead Lucas Rurik on a dangerous mission through the Rift in the fourth book of this thrilling urban fantasy.
Lucas Rurik, sole living member of the Raven Guild, hoped that killing the deranged Dr. Callie Mitchell would end her plot to stir up trouble between the Rift and Earth, bringing peace to both lands. And it did—for exactly three weeks, four days, seventeen hours, and eleven minutes. But then it all went to hell.
Two years later, things still haven’t gotten much better. Tears of rift energy are slashing through the sky much more frequently—and more powerfully—than ever before, unleashing all sorts of new fiends and horrors upon the world. And just as Lucas thinks he’s uncovered an important clue as to what’s been causing the chaos, he’s dragged back into the Rift to make good on an old favor and help hunt down someone who’s been destroying riftborn settlements.
Now Lucas must contend with governmental conspiracies involving Earthly cults, dangerous coups orchestrated by ancient powers, and heartrending secrets kept by those he most trusts—and fast. Because it seems there’s a new guild on the rise. And it’s members are intent on eliminating the Raven Guild once and for all . . .
Praise for The Last Raven
“McHugh’s pithy prose energizes the narrative, even when there’s no superpower on display, and builds intrigue with gradual reveals of Lucas’ rift-derived skills and backstory. This slick introductory supernatural tale will leave readers eager for a sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Last Raven has the appeal of a great action movie. There is a nice mystery, a compelling lead, strong support, and enough adrenaline to leave you with a pleasant high afterward. . . . Eagerly looking forward to the next installment.” —The Cosmic Circus
“If you have a friend who loves both speculative fiction novels and thrillers, this is the perfect gift.” —Medium, “10 Chilling Books for Mystery/Thriller Lovers This Winter”
Lucas Rurik, sole living member of the Raven Guild, hoped that killing the deranged Dr. Callie Mitchell would end her plot to stir up trouble between the Rift and Earth, bringing peace to both lands. And it did—for exactly three weeks, four days, seventeen hours, and eleven minutes. But then it all went to hell.
Two years later, things still haven’t gotten much better. Tears of rift energy are slashing through the sky much more frequently—and more powerfully—than ever before, unleashing all sorts of new fiends and horrors upon the world. And just as Lucas thinks he’s uncovered an important clue as to what’s been causing the chaos, he’s dragged back into the Rift to make good on an old favor and help hunt down someone who’s been destroying riftborn settlements.
Now Lucas must contend with governmental conspiracies involving Earthly cults, dangerous coups orchestrated by ancient powers, and heartrending secrets kept by those he most trusts—and fast. Because it seems there’s a new guild on the rise. And it’s members are intent on eliminating the Raven Guild once and for all . . .
Praise for The Last Raven
“McHugh’s pithy prose energizes the narrative, even when there’s no superpower on display, and builds intrigue with gradual reveals of Lucas’ rift-derived skills and backstory. This slick introductory supernatural tale will leave readers eager for a sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Last Raven has the appeal of a great action movie. There is a nice mystery, a compelling lead, strong support, and enough adrenaline to leave you with a pleasant high afterward. . . . Eagerly looking forward to the next installment.” —The Cosmic Circus
“If you have a friend who loves both speculative fiction novels and thrillers, this is the perfect gift.” —Medium, “10 Chilling Books for Mystery/Thriller Lovers This Winter”
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
130 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
43 books1,887 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 10, 2024
I enjoyed A Promise of Vipers by Steve McHugh more than the previous books on the series. I am starting to get as attached to the characters as I did with his earlier series, it just took me longer than it did with Nate and his crew.
There is just as much action, fun and cool magic as I'm used to by his books, and the idea behind the riftborn is just super intriguing.
This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I don't mind, it just makes me want the next book more...
There is just as much action, fun and cool magic as I'm used to by his books, and the idea behind the riftborn is just super intriguing.
This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I don't mind, it just makes me want the next book more...
August 1, 2024
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The ending gives me hope that now that Lucas knows who was responsible for killing his coven, that he can move on and actually reimage a new Raven's Guild. There's a minor issue with the fact that the author seems to continue to bring back villains who are supposed to be dead. Why, I have no idea!
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The ending gives me hope that now that Lucas knows who was responsible for killing his coven, that he can move on and actually reimage a new Raven's Guild. There's a minor issue with the fact that the author seems to continue to bring back villains who are supposed to be dead. Why, I have no idea!
June 30, 2024
Promise of Vipers
I really like this series. Characters are developed well. Lukas is someone who you can trust and believe in. As are the other good guys. The bad guys are really bad. Plenty of action and suspense. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I think I have read everything by Steve McHugh and have never been disappointed. Recommended.
I really like this series. Characters are developed well. Lukas is someone who you can trust and believe in. As are the other good guys. The bad guys are really bad. Plenty of action and suspense. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I think I have read everything by Steve McHugh and have never been disappointed. Recommended.
July 3, 2024
Best book of the series to date. Most of it takes place in the rift, but before leaving Earth Lucas starts hearing of a legendary figure who's either a hero or a villain depending on who's talking.
Some old friends make appearances, and some who are not friendly at all.
Some old friends make appearances, and some who are not friendly at all.
July 3, 2024
Brilliant characters, great story
My only disappointment with this book is how long I have to wait for the next one. Please write faster Steve 🙏
My only disappointment with this book is how long I have to wait for the next one. Please write faster Steve 🙏
September 4, 2024
Rating: 4 stars
This is the 4th Riftborn book with a 5th listed with a Summer 2025 publication date. The series should be read in order to understand the relationships and motivations behind the actions of the characters. Lucas Rurik is an interesting MC. The series is populated by very powerful evil and monstrous characters as well as heroic ones. There are lots of action/fighting scenes for readers who read fantasy thrillers for battle action.
SUMMARY: Lucas Rurik, sole living member of the Raven Guild, hoped that killing the deranged Dr. Callie Mitchell would end her plot to stir up trouble between the Rift and Earth, bringing peace to both lands. And it did—for exactly three weeks, four days, seventeen hours, and eleven minutes. But then it all went to hell. Two years later, things still haven’t gotten much better. Tears of rift energy are slashing through the sky much more frequently—and more powerfully—than ever before, unleashing all sorts of new fiends and horrors upon the world. And just as Lucas thinks he’s uncovered an important clue as to what’s been causing the chaos, he’s dragged back into the Rift to make good on an old favor and help hunt down someone who’s been destroying riftborn settlements. Now Lucas must contend with governmental conspiracies involving Earthly cults, dangerous coups orchestrated by ancient powers, and heartrending secrets kept by those he most trusts—and fast. Because it seems there’s a new guild on the rise. And its members are intent on eliminating the Raven Guild once and for all.
This is the 4th Riftborn book with a 5th listed with a Summer 2025 publication date. The series should be read in order to understand the relationships and motivations behind the actions of the characters. Lucas Rurik is an interesting MC. The series is populated by very powerful evil and monstrous characters as well as heroic ones. There are lots of action/fighting scenes for readers who read fantasy thrillers for battle action.
SUMMARY: Lucas Rurik, sole living member of the Raven Guild, hoped that killing the deranged Dr. Callie Mitchell would end her plot to stir up trouble between the Rift and Earth, bringing peace to both lands. And it did—for exactly three weeks, four days, seventeen hours, and eleven minutes. But then it all went to hell. Two years later, things still haven’t gotten much better. Tears of rift energy are slashing through the sky much more frequently—and more powerfully—than ever before, unleashing all sorts of new fiends and horrors upon the world. And just as Lucas thinks he’s uncovered an important clue as to what’s been causing the chaos, he’s dragged back into the Rift to make good on an old favor and help hunt down someone who’s been destroying riftborn settlements. Now Lucas must contend with governmental conspiracies involving Earthly cults, dangerous coups orchestrated by ancient powers, and heartrending secrets kept by those he most trusts—and fast. Because it seems there’s a new guild on the rise. And its members are intent on eliminating the Raven Guild once and for all.
July 9, 2024
fun read that progresses the story.
I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it if your a McHugh fan.
It also moved the characters and series along in satisfying ways.
If I was to add a but in it would be to small quibbles.
* I would have liked the ending to be a bit longer. While the sense of what is happening is certainly there. At points it felt rushed.
* I have never been a fan of the villain who is under plot protection. One opponent certainly has that. (I look forward to see’ing it removed next book)
With that said. Great page turner, well worth the read.
I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it if your a McHugh fan.
It also moved the characters and series along in satisfying ways.
If I was to add a but in it would be to small quibbles.
* I would have liked the ending to be a bit longer. While the sense of what is happening is certainly there. At points it felt rushed.
* I have never been a fan of the villain who is under plot protection. One opponent certainly has that. (I look forward to see’ing it removed next book)
With that said. Great page turner, well worth the read.
July 16, 2024
4.25 Stars
This is another fun and easy read/listen in a very fun and unique series. I ended up listening to the entire book on audio and Matthew Wolf did another fantastic job
(I truly LOVE those British accents...)
This is the 4th book in the series and we are following Lucas Rurik as he finds himself, and all of the other agencies, in the middle of some crazy happenings. There are Rift tears happening all over the US and along with the tears, they are finding boxes with peculiar items in them. There are boxes discovered all over the place - as if these events are intentional. It seems as if someone is intentionally trying to create these rips in the fabric of the world and to possibly thin out the barrier between our world and the Rift.
So, we follow along as Lucas finds himself in some crazy, CRAZY circumstances and discovers that things that he thought he had taken care of - well, maybe he actually didn't.
I like this series.
It isn't too difficult to follow. It is fun and fast moving and the characters are easy to like. This one ends with a nice conclusion, but there are still loose ends so I will be anxiously awaiting book 5 :)
This is another fun and easy read/listen in a very fun and unique series. I ended up listening to the entire book on audio and Matthew Wolf did another fantastic job
(I truly LOVE those British accents...)
This is the 4th book in the series and we are following Lucas Rurik as he finds himself, and all of the other agencies, in the middle of some crazy happenings. There are Rift tears happening all over the US and along with the tears, they are finding boxes with peculiar items in them. There are boxes discovered all over the place - as if these events are intentional. It seems as if someone is intentionally trying to create these rips in the fabric of the world and to possibly thin out the barrier between our world and the Rift.
So, we follow along as Lucas finds himself in some crazy, CRAZY circumstances and discovers that things that he thought he had taken care of - well, maybe he actually didn't.
I like this series.
It isn't too difficult to follow. It is fun and fast moving and the characters are easy to like. This one ends with a nice conclusion, but there are still loose ends so I will be anxiously awaiting book 5 :)
April 30, 2025
great finale
The series is terrific but you cannot start with this last book or it will make no sense; start at book 1 so you’ll understand what the rift is and how the parallel worlds of earth and the rift with its rift energy and wild creatures work. Mr. McHugh is amazingly creative and this series is like no other I’ve ever read. Dude is like the Robin Williams of this genre: I have to wonder how he sleeps at night with all that stuff going on in his head!
The series is terrific but you cannot start with this last book or it will make no sense; start at book 1 so you’ll understand what the rift is and how the parallel worlds of earth and the rift with its rift energy and wild creatures work. Mr. McHugh is amazingly creative and this series is like no other I’ve ever read. Dude is like the Robin Williams of this genre: I have to wonder how he sleeps at night with all that stuff going on in his head!
June 29, 2024
Promise of Vipers
Another book that can't be put down. Lucas gets a lot of new information about the guilds, and has somewhat of an awakening. Thoroughly enjoyed this and can hardly wait for the next in the series.
Another book that can't be put down. Lucas gets a lot of new information about the guilds, and has somewhat of an awakening. Thoroughly enjoyed this and can hardly wait for the next in the series.
July 1, 2024
Serious Adventure
Mr.McHugh is one of my favorite authors, and this story,,with these fantastic storyline and even better characters is a joy to read, I can hardly wait for the next one.
Mr.McHugh is one of my favorite authors, and this story,,with these fantastic storyline and even better characters is a joy to read, I can hardly wait for the next one.
July 1, 2024
This series is fantastic!
I love this series and I am happy to know there will be more Riftborn books. Steve McHugh creates excellent, unique characters in interesting settings and makes their fantasy lives very exciting.
I love this series and I am happy to know there will be more Riftborn books. Steve McHugh creates excellent, unique characters in interesting settings and makes their fantasy lives very exciting.
July 6, 2024
ugh, so good…
I need more! All of Steve McHugh’s books are amazing and Lucas’s story is captivating. Check out all of his other series as well. They are so full of detail that the worlds come alive.
I need more! All of Steve McHugh’s books are amazing and Lucas’s story is captivating. Check out all of his other series as well. They are so full of detail that the worlds come alive.
July 10, 2024
Loved this book can’t wait for more adventures
This was quite a complex storyline, with lots of plot twists that I did not see coming. Looking forward to Lucas creating a new Guild of Ravens.
This was quite a complex storyline, with lots of plot twists that I did not see coming. Looking forward to Lucas creating a new Guild of Ravens.
October 5, 2024
Another Steve McHugh winner
As always, the world building and epic movie style fights were stellar. I know book 5 is coming and I'm stoked to continue.
I'm so happy I found Steve McHugh and Crimes against Magic many years ago.
As always, the world building and epic movie style fights were stellar. I know book 5 is coming and I'm stoked to continue.
I'm so happy I found Steve McHugh and Crimes against Magic many years ago.
October 22, 2024
Another great addition to an amazing dtory
By far one of the best books in the same room so far I love the action great duals lots of magic I can't wait to see what happens next in the series
By far one of the best books in the same room so far I love the action great duals lots of magic I can't wait to see what happens next in the series
November 9, 2024
Good read with lots of little plot twists.
The entire series has been fun reading. The plot twists, while unexpected, are entirely plausible. Would recommend to anyone who enjoyed modern and urban fantasy.
The entire series has been fun reading. The plot twists, while unexpected, are entirely plausible. Would recommend to anyone who enjoyed modern and urban fantasy.
January 26, 2025
You can't stop reading this book!
Ok nachos, Aragorn and a Raven medallion. What more can you want? Well how scout getting to find out who killed your guild? What a good way to make this story work.
Ok nachos, Aragorn and a Raven medallion. What more can you want? Well how scout getting to find out who killed your guild? What a good way to make this story work.
April 10, 2025
Great book
This was another great book from an amazing author. The characters are in depth, making you laugh with... Or at them.
The world and landscapes are so well written you can picture them.
Please hurry with the next one!!!!
This was another great book from an amazing author. The characters are in depth, making you laugh with... Or at them.
The world and landscapes are so well written you can picture them.
Please hurry with the next one!!!!
June 30, 2024
An overly confusing story
Nothing about this book makes any sense. There are too many stupid terms. Rift this and that, embers, all of it. It's dumb. And not well explained.
Nothing about this book makes any sense. There are too many stupid terms. Rift this and that, embers, all of it. It's dumb. And not well explained.
July 2, 2024
Riftborn book 4 is all you need to know
Would be spoilers more than a review. More Steve McHugh ultra violence and humour, if you liked previous you’ll love this.
Would be spoilers more than a review. More Steve McHugh ultra violence and humour, if you liked previous you’ll love this.
July 2, 2024
Oh yeah
Excellent as usual! So nice to get back to
Lucas, Nadia, and all the rest. If you are looking for a good time and lots of action this is the place.
Excellent as usual! So nice to get back to
Lucas, Nadia, and all the rest. If you are looking for a good time and lots of action this is the place.
July 4, 2024
amazing as usual!
This was an amazing addition to the series. I could not put it down! Can’t wait for the next to be released!
This was an amazing addition to the series. I could not put it down! Can’t wait for the next to be released!
July 8, 2024
Great story telling
I'm a big fan of Steve's writing, and throughly enjoyed this latest installment of the Riftborn. Already looking forward to the next book.
I'm a big fan of Steve's writing, and throughly enjoyed this latest installment of the Riftborn. Already looking forward to the next book.
November 17, 2024
Awesome
This story just keeps on getting better and better, can't wait for the next installment, Lucas so should meet Nate, they would be unstoppable aa a team
This story just keeps on getting better and better, can't wait for the next installment, Lucas so should meet Nate, they would be unstoppable aa a team
May 17, 2025
Legend
I love the Steve McHigh books from Hellequin to Lucy's Rurik. Legend of a writer and great stories. Must read
I love the Steve McHigh books from Hellequin to Lucy's Rurik. Legend of a writer and great stories. Must read
July 13, 2024
Another awesome story around Lucas, very nice twisters and still open for more, I so much enjoyed the first four books in this series, I’m very much looking forward for more.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews