Rift Bringer

by Adrienne Renick

Liana Avila’s telekinetic powers aren’t natural. Just like every other anomaly created with alien DNA, they're derived from Earth's alien inhabitants, which means the government organization, EVOS, keeps a watchful eye on her.

Being branded as an anomaly is one thing. Being at the bottom of the food chain is another, and working for the underground rebellion known as Terminus is the only option for anomalies ready to fight for a spot at the top.

But Terminus is cutthroat, and EVOS has eyes everywhere. With a few small slip ups, Liana is suddenly under the scrutiny of Terminus’s menacing leader and an irritating EVOS agent, and she’s got nowhere left to hide.

Unrest is stirring. The anomalies want justice. And it’s only a matter of time before Liana makes another mistake, compromising the faulty lines between factions and digging herself to a new low.

Genres: Science Fiction

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Author also writes under Adrienne Stephens and A. Renick

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible! Amazing characters, loved the science and the action keeps you on your toes! I loved that we got the perspective of both sides of the war. The ending was amazing, but such a cliffhanger haha. Can’t wait to read the next one!!

[Dietrich Stogner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rift Bringer is a scifi novel that involves alien visitors, superpowered humans, a giant obelisk in the middle of a city, and so much more, but all that is simply the backdrop against a much more human and compelling story as we follow a woman named Liana. Liana is an anomaly, a human being that, thanks to some alien DNA, has telekinetic powers, as well as a fairly gargantuan chip on her shoulder against the aliens themselves. This chip has her involved with what can charitably be described as a resistance movement, but more accurately a terrorist organization, and Rift Bringer follows Liana as she grows more and more uncomfortable in her role within Terminus, but not knowing who else she can trust.

The stakes in this book are established from the very first chapter, and as Liana begins trying to walk a very narrow tightrope of nesting lies and loyalties, Renick makes it very clear that there’s no net beneath her. The consequences to her mistakes are often devastating, and that results in a story that’s woven through with an almost unrelenting tension. And we haven’t even gotten to the incredible and rich world Renick has built, and the surrealistic, almost dreamlike exploration of alien technology that feels actually alien in a way reminiscent of scifi powerhouses like Arthur C Clarke or Ted Chiang.

And here’s the thing: I don’t often make comparisons like that, but Renick is quickly establishing herself as an author at the beginning of an incredible writing career, someone who can weave wildly imaginative and poetic prose into a runaway train of a plot, while creating rich and complex characters that are never exactly what they seem. And I haven’t even touched upon the plot, which includes a one-two punch of a reveal near the end that had me absolutely cackling with glee.

I deeply loved Renick's first book, Corrosion, but Rift Bringer is a quantum leap forward in every way. It’s a wildly ambitious tale set in a complex, imaginative world, populated by characters I loved and hated in the best possible way. It’s a hell of a story written by a gifted storyteller, and I’m so excited that we’re just at the beginning of this author’s career.

[F Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely privileged to bear witness to the writing and editing of this book and no matter how many times I have reread it, it never fails to amaze me. Among the vast swathe of contemporary books being churned out regularly across social media platforms and indie book retailers, Renick's stands out to me in terms of both style and content; she has a unique literary voice which carries you fluidly through a mixture of tight, believable dialogue and carefully crafted action sequences. This book will please fans of sci-fi, dystopia, action and fantasy; it really does have a bit of everything. Not only is it multi-genre, but Renick balances various tones with mature precision and delicacy: humour, emotion and fast-paced sci-fi action- and even a sprinkling of romance here and there without it being overbearing. I absolutely fell in love with the world she has built in this novel and the succeeding one (Rift Wielder, due to be released this year), and the characters which exist within it.

[C.H. Folan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Corrosion by Adrienne Renick, I was blown away not only by the seamless yet thoughtful way her stories are wound together but by her ability to use supernatural creatures and settings to tell the most relatable stories about what it means to be human. In Riftbringer, FMC Liana Avila struggles not only with developing her telekinetic abilities but more so with finding her place and purpose in a world that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Fuelled by a deep seated need to care for her father and the guilt at the loss of a friend, Liana’s world is suddenly opened by new love and a new perspective of what is worth fighting for.
Fast paced and exciting, Riftbringer is a perfect sci-fi adventure for fans of the X-Men, the X-Files, and Heroes.

[Jordan Encee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected

When going into this book I was expecting superhero action and alien things… well that’s here but it’s not the only part of the story. There’s so much more to break down, such as double agents things and something more that is hinted than aliens.
Only thing that I wish for more of were show and don’t tell. We are told about what people are going through during some events. But we don’t get to experience some of those moments. Which does make sense for the story but I wish there were small moments for them. Though I think, it would mess up the pacing of the story too. So it’s double edged sword with that.
Anyway, overall, love the actions characters are great and looking forward to the next book.

[Cassie Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk. About. Stunning.
Adrienne Renick has a gift for building such beautiful visuals in writing. Not only that, but the characters of Rift Bringer are so true to themselves and the plot is so exciting that I can’t help but rave about this book to any sci-fi lover I know. The plot twist threw me for a loop and the powers are so unique. I felt like I went on a journey with Liana and I forgot I was reading a book. Even the parts that weren’t “action packed” were still so interesting and valuable. This gave me the same thrill I got reading books like The Darkest Minds, Divergent, and all the other fun dystopians from my youth. Loved this read so, so much and I cannot wait to read the sequel!

[Christine Folan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renick is a master of the emotional twist and this book was no exception! A great read for fans of the X-Files, X-Men and Heroes, Riftbringer is the fast paced sci-fi adventure of Liana Aliva who is struggling to master ever growing telekinetic powers while also dealing with familial responsibilities and a growing attachment to a man she has no business having such feelings for. Gripping and highly enjoyable, Riftbringer is the first in a series that it sure to be as beloved as any other sci-fi dystopian series out there.

[I.D. Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the characters, loved the ending (cliff hangers!!), loved the science system!! The story and the action kept me on my toes the entire time, the plot twists felt earned, and the conversation of there being good on each sides of a war is great.

The only reason I took off a star was for personal reasons. I like some action to be slowed down and explained more (sometimes the fight scenes were hard for me to follow because of this). Still the action was gripping and I’m left waiting for the next installment!

[Taylor Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rift Bringer has been my top read of the year. Renick didn’t need to impress me again after the absolutely delight that Corrosion was—but she did. With a beautiful combination of personal turmoil, unlikely friendships, and a will-they-won’t-they, “I’ll protect you”, style romance that had me giggling and kicking my feet through out, I can’t recommend this book enough.

This brand of sci-fi/spec fic meets the style of fantasy romance is EXACTLY what I needed in my life.

[Megan Fuhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to this wonder of a Sci-Fi novel (series in the making!) Adrienne Renick has won herself onto my "instant buy authors" list.

Rift Bringer is one of those books that leave you wanting another ten books about the characters (who, by the way, are SO perfect)
Wallace is especially perfect in every way 🤭
Superheores/sci-fi/romance, what more can anyone ask for!?

This book has it all, ensuring that at the end of the book, you'll be left LOVING these beautiful characters🫶

[Chase Gamwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rift Bringer is the kind of science fiction story that started deceptively straightforward and spiraled in all kinds of unexpected directions. It invokes elements of the Marvel Universe and Fringe, while creating a unique universe of its very own. The book was not at all afraid to venture into the weird, which was my favorite part!

I'm very excited about the sequel and can't wait to see where Adrienne takes the story next!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am not typically a sci-fi genre reader, but after hearing Adrienne talk about the plot and seeing her passion for her work, I knew I had to give it a shot. I was quickly sucked into the world of the anomalies and the eonites and there was no turning back. I really enjoyed the back and forth between the agencies and the agents, never quite knowing where it was going to end up. Very glad this is the first book of a series so that we can get more of this amazing story!

[Olivia L. Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! Giving all the vibes of X-Men combined with aliens (both benevolent and dark), it was such a fun book to read.

The character arcs through the story were well done, and I loved that not everything ended perfectly content and happy.

If I could say one thing about it...
WALLACE.

😱😍
All the feels... ugh. I'm done. Can't wait for the next one!

[Sol F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, scifi adventure with a unique take on telekinetic powers and an interesting supporting cast. I really enjoyed this book. There were high stakes for all the characters as they navigate multiple dangers from government agents to a rebellion & its ruthless leader. Each character felt like they were standing on a knife's edge. I had no idea who would make it to the final page, if any of them. The shapeshifting aliens were a very interesting inclusion and I can't wait to learn more about them. I liked following Liana's journey as she discovers the true capabilities of her powers. Her character arc has a ton of possibilities and has me looking forward to the sequel.

[Kelly Moxom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I loved the characters, the story, and the sci-fi elements (especially the eonites). I also like the slow-burn between Liana and Wallace, both of which are very interesting characters, and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store!

[Teresa Lynfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

I like the characters that Mrs. Renick brings into the story. She gives you the feeling that you want to keep turning pages. She is a talented young woman with a bright future.

[Melissa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 1 of 3 in a series. I am starting book 2 tomorrow because I have to know how the story goes on. The action had my holding my breath with anticipation. My only problem is, today is 12/31/2025 and book 3 comes out in April. I can't wait that long! Lol

[Dartanyan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting world! Reminded me of a modernized Attack on Titan.

[Ela Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'ALL. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. Rarely does a book actually blow my mind, but this one did it. YOU NEED TO READ IT.

[Crissie Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Fast paced! And a slow burn that will have you going insane for the next book! Oh, and Wallace. And DAISY, his puppy! Enough said =)

[Janel D. Brubaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and engaging story! The characters were well written, the dialogue was believable, and the world building was cool. A couple of plot points were predictable, but otherwise it was a fun read.

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

brings me back to the golden age of marvel and agents of shield 😭 take me baaaaaaack

[Cate Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of 2024.