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The Rift #2
The Rift 2
Dr. James Barron narrowly prevented a catastrophic interdimensional invasion in The Rift. But now he must deal with a myriad of threats as great as the one he overcame, including growing rifts in the fabric of reality, anomalous superstorms, and conspiracies that just might span worlds. And most importantly, he must find a way to save a woman he can’t get out of his head, Special Agent Hannah Walker, who vanished through a portal with a treacherous genius named Linus.
James soon finds himself heading security for a research effort taking place deep in the bowels of Camp David, where both Hannah and the portal she entered vanished. Because the portal left something A nexus that floats like a black hole and defies all attempts to unravel its secrets. Is it a weapon? Or a passage to another dimension? Does it portend the end of humanity? Or is it the answer to James’s prayers?
James is running out of time to find out. Because if Hannah Walker is still alive, her fate hangs by a thread . . .
Return to the spellbinding, action-packed world of The Rift, in the second installment of a high-octane trilogy that is sure to keep you reading into the night.
“Richards is an extraordinary writer,” (Dean Koontz) who can “keep you turning the pages all night long,” (Douglas Preston)
“Joshua T. Calvert has a gift for making nail-biting science fiction that you can’t put down. Get ready for some sleepless nights!” (M.A. Rothman, USA Today bestselling author)
James soon finds himself heading security for a research effort taking place deep in the bowels of Camp David, where both Hannah and the portal she entered vanished. Because the portal left something A nexus that floats like a black hole and defies all attempts to unravel its secrets. Is it a weapon? Or a passage to another dimension? Does it portend the end of humanity? Or is it the answer to James’s prayers?
James is running out of time to find out. Because if Hannah Walker is still alive, her fate hangs by a thread . . .
Return to the spellbinding, action-packed world of The Rift, in the second installment of a high-octane trilogy that is sure to keep you reading into the night.
“Richards is an extraordinary writer,” (Dean Koontz) who can “keep you turning the pages all night long,” (Douglas Preston)
“Joshua T. Calvert has a gift for making nail-biting science fiction that you can’t put down. Get ready for some sleepless nights!” (M.A. Rothman, USA Today bestselling author)
- GenresScience FictionFiction
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
795 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Douglas E. Richards
50 books1,742 followersWrite to Doug at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and visit the author's website to be notified of new releases.
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Douglas E. Richards is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science-fiction thrillers that have sold more than three million copies (see list below). Richards has been celebrated for his gripping, thought-provoking works that blend cutting-edge scientific concepts with heart-pounding narratives.
Richards burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, WIRED, published in 2010. The novel garnered widespread acclaim for its ingenious combination of scientific speculation and thrilling storytelling. This success set the stage for a series of bestselling novels, each marked by meticulous research, riveting plots, and characters that resonate with readers.
Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives, Richards has become a go-to author for readers seeking an intellectually stimulating and adrenaline-fueled reading experience. His works delve deeply into the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific breakthroughs and the potential impact of technology on society.
A former Director of Biotechnology Licensing at Bristol Myers Squibb and a former biotechnology executive, Richards earned a BS in microbiology from the Ohio State University, a master's degree in genetic engineering from the University of Wisconsin--where he engineered mutant viruses now named after him--and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
The author has two grown children and lives in San Diego, California, with his wife and dog.
Richards loves hearing from readers, and always replies, so feel free to write to him at douglaserichards1 at gmail dot com, and address him as "Doug". You can also Friend Richards on Facebook at Douglas E. Richards Author, or visit his website, where you can sign up to be notified of new releases.
SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS BY DOUGLAS E. RICHARDS
SERIES
WIRED (Wired 1)
AMPED (Wired 2)
MIND'S EYE (Nick Hall 1)
BRAINWEB (Nick Hall 2)
MIND WAR (Nick Hall 3)
UNLEASHED (Nick Hall 4)
SPLIT SECOND(Split Second 1)
TIME FRAME (Split Second 2)
THE ENIGMA CUBE (Alien Artifact 1)
A PIVOT IN TIME (Alien Artifact 2)
STANDALONE NOVELS
QUANTUM LENS
GAME CHANGER
INFINITY BORN
SEEKER
VERACITY
ORACLE
THE IMMORTALITY CODE
UNIDENTIFIED
PORTALS
THE CURE (To become KU eligible for the first time in 2023)
THE BREAKTHROUGH EFFECT
Kids Science Fiction Thrillers (9 and up, enjoyed by kids and adults alike)
TRAPPED (Prometheus Project 1)
CAPTURED (Prometheus Project 2)
STRANDED (Prometheus Project 3)
OUT OF THIS WORLD
DEVIL'S SWORD
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 13, 2026
A portal to another, parallel universe is open. While James Barron managed to stop a catastrophic collision of worlds, this portal is methodically causing various natural disasters worldwide. Hurricanes of unimaginable force and size, storms, floods and eruptions threaten existence. The portal, if it can be traversed, may take James to a world where a solution can be found, or it may mean death. Opposing forces seek to control access to the portal and Barron wants to find Agent Hannah Walker, who disappeared through it. The story got very busy, the characters who exist to move the story are very active but there is a disorganized and chaotic feel to the story that detracts from itself. The science is science fiction science and it too is confusing to follow. This is entertaining as long as you don't think too hard about anything and accept everything at face value. I will finish the series just so I know what happens, but I will have to psych myself up.
March 18, 2025
Second book in a series, and there are still some sloppy mistakes that an editor should have caught.
March 24, 2025
Awesome!
March 8, 2025
I always want my ratings to be meaningful, so three stars might seem a little chintzy. This isn't a bad book, just not a great one. But it's still a fun read. If you like Douglas E. Richards' books there's plenty here to enjoy. I will say, though, it did feel like this was simply setting things up for the final installment. Also, a little bit too much in the way of lucky coincidence to get the main characters out of various jams. Overall, a worthwhile read if this is your thing. And I'm looking forward to seeing how the story ends. I suspect book three will be much more satisfying!
August 12, 2025
Abandoned it at 36%. It became so repetitive and boring. I even skipped ahead of it. Same song , 19th verse. "Oh, I made a mistake, oh I was wronged and betrayed oh I'm so sorry I hate myself, oh I'm going to try to save the world again oh I'm so sorry I made a mistake oh forgive me give me a chance..." omg!
March 14, 2025
Near the end of this "book" the author has the main protagonist say "He used us a pawns." That's how I felt when I got to the end of this second "book" of this "trilogy." I refer you to my review of "book" 1 of "The Rift." "Book" 2 merely confirms my opinion. The Rift "trilogy" is actually parts 1, 2, and 3 of a single work, broken up into individual "books". I won't claim to understand Richard's (and Calvert's) motivation for doing this, recognizing they may not be as crass or superficial as I or others might assume. I will claim that it is a bit of a bait and switch. So why, you might ask, did I continue on with the second book? Becuase there is one thing that Richards has carried on from his initial bright promise in "Wired" and "Amped." The stories and speculative elements are interesting, and, dare I say, even as the promotions suggest "gripping." I DO want to know how the story ends. But in a true trilogy or series, each book should be a standalone complete story. It's OK to tack on a cliffhanger or suggestive temptation at the end of a book in a series. It's not OK to just chop up a complete novel into three so-called "books." The calamities at the ends of "books" 1 and 2 in this "trilogy" (or will they try to even stretch that?) are not endpoints/conclusions of a book. They are not true examples of a denouement. They are, at best and generously so, ends to episodes. As has been the case in all of Richard's works, they are rife with annoying info dumps, but he already knows how I (and others) feel about that. This book, like all his others, are replete with tropish characters that feel outdated, worn, and at times borderline offensive. But they remain intriguing stories. Luckily, I have access to Prime Reading so I will go on to "book" 3 to see how the story ends (if it indeed has an actual denouement.) "But," I hear you cry, "why complain if you still read the books, and they don't cost you anything?" On the latter point, it's not truly "free" as I do pay a cost, but secondly it's not just the physical cost of a book that I invest, it's the time reading it! As for the former, I complain precisely because "Wired" and "Amped" were such a promising start, and because the plot/story/speculative elements in Richard's writing remains interesting. Enough so that I've been able to overlook the incessant info dumps and outdated, overly stereotypical (and sometimes troubling) character tropes. It's the chopping of a single novel into three books that sits in my craw, and is a bridge too far for me. By the way, if anybody has figured out the differences between what Mr. Richards and Mr. Calvert have contributed to the story, let me know. These still feel 100% Richards to me. On to the "book", er, I mean part 3 of the novel, "The Rift" so I see the single novel that this supposed "trilogy" is to it's actual end.
March 2, 2025
Close to the perfect book!
The Rift 2 picks up the story of James Barron where it left off, following the betrayal by Linus and the loss of Hannah, with the addition of inexplicable weather phenomena to contend with in addition to the anomalies the Rift is causing. Like The Rift 1, Richards and Calvert combine their own writing prowess and create the perfect mix of action and science. James continues to be a selfless hero, risking everything to save the world while still making mistakes, one huge one in particular. The Rift 2 provides certain answers while rising many more questions and saving one wondering just who the good guys are, between the different factions. Highly recommended for fans of high concept sci-fi thrillers! 5/5 hard earned stars, The Rift 2 is well worth the wait! I can't wait for book 3!!
The Rift 2 picks up the story of James Barron where it left off, following the betrayal by Linus and the loss of Hannah, with the addition of inexplicable weather phenomena to contend with in addition to the anomalies the Rift is causing. Like The Rift 1, Richards and Calvert combine their own writing prowess and create the perfect mix of action and science. James continues to be a selfless hero, risking everything to save the world while still making mistakes, one huge one in particular. The Rift 2 provides certain answers while rising many more questions and saving one wondering just who the good guys are, between the different factions. Highly recommended for fans of high concept sci-fi thrillers! 5/5 hard earned stars, The Rift 2 is well worth the wait! I can't wait for book 3!!
September 25, 2025
a good continuation of the story
The story of a possible invasion/takeover by an extra-dimensional Earth continues in this second installment of The Rift. The manipulation, exploitation and betrayal by those with power and information is off the charts. James, and his stalwart friend, Wolf have been manipulated into slaughtering hundreds, maybe thousands of people at the (mis)direction of Admiral Thorne, Linus and others, for the sake of “saving the Earth”. Apparently at any cost.
I found the plot a little thin in this tale, henceforth the 4 star rating, and wonder if it is being purposely stretched out to sell another book. Although, if there had to be a break, where book #2 ended would be a good spot.
The story of a possible invasion/takeover by an extra-dimensional Earth continues in this second installment of The Rift. The manipulation, exploitation and betrayal by those with power and information is off the charts. James, and his stalwart friend, Wolf have been manipulated into slaughtering hundreds, maybe thousands of people at the (mis)direction of Admiral Thorne, Linus and others, for the sake of “saving the Earth”. Apparently at any cost.
I found the plot a little thin in this tale, henceforth the 4 star rating, and wonder if it is being purposely stretched out to sell another book. Although, if there had to be a break, where book #2 ended would be a good spot.
March 31, 2025
Beginning was slow, and was almost like a long thought experiment. Author went very into detail about the scientists studying the storms noise but in the end they didn’t solve it… the answer was provided by Linus…. So was the thought experiment necessary? One thing this series excels at is showing the lengths people will go to do what they think is saving the world (sacrificing people, betrayal, manipulating, lying). It’s confusing to know whose side people are actually on, hence the 3 stars, that I wish there was a bit more stability on who is on what side. 2nd half of the book was fast pace and action packed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
What a boring mess, I almost gave up in the middle. And I usually love Douglas' works, but this is unsalvageable. The protagonist is like superman, the science doesn't make any sense at all, sounds like something out of the Marvel universe. That's just how implausible this is.
I made a mistake and finished the book and went on book #3.
Without given away spoilers, I didn't imagine I could have been this much on point by calling the protagonist superman. I'm currently struggling to finish book #3 but I feel compelled to do it since I've invested so much time in reading book 1 and 2. At this point it's so painful it's starting to feel like a school assignment.
I made a mistake and finished the book and went on book #3.
Without given away spoilers, I didn't imagine I could have been this much on point by calling the protagonist superman. I'm currently struggling to finish book #3 but I feel compelled to do it since I've invested so much time in reading book 1 and 2. At this point it's so painful it's starting to feel like a school assignment.
July 24, 2025
the deadly game to save the planet continues at a rattling pace.
The mystery of the Antarctic incident from Book 1 is revisited here. I do like to see some things being wrapped up neatly - though what happens in Book 2 continues the story at a pace you’ll find yourself clinging onto by your fingertips. Intrigue and betrayal abounds as James and Wolf find themselves pawns in the deadly game to save the planet. The sci-fi is as crazy as some of the characters. Can it get crazier still? Book three will be hard to resist.
The mystery of the Antarctic incident from Book 1 is revisited here. I do like to see some things being wrapped up neatly - though what happens in Book 2 continues the story at a pace you’ll find yourself clinging onto by your fingertips. Intrigue and betrayal abounds as James and Wolf find themselves pawns in the deadly game to save the planet. The sci-fi is as crazy as some of the characters. Can it get crazier still? Book three will be hard to resist.
March 20, 2025
Great book
This book is tremendously great. I was ready to be bored to death. Ended up as one of the best novels I've ever read. I couldn't put it down. It has everything, action, suspense, adventure, love, hate, and serious friendship, with a great cast of characters. James is the best character wrote into a novel, it would not be as good without him. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
This book is tremendously great. I was ready to be bored to death. Ended up as one of the best novels I've ever read. I couldn't put it down. It has everything, action, suspense, adventure, love, hate, and serious friendship, with a great cast of characters. James is the best character wrote into a novel, it would not be as good without him. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction.
March 12, 2025
The Story Continues
Some new characters, some you can trust, some you can not. Lots of betrayal. The storyline moves ahead. Still pretty fast paced, so it keeps you going wanting more. The writers don’t go off on any tangents and keep with the story. Look forward to the next edition.
Some new characters, some you can trust, some you can not. Lots of betrayal. The storyline moves ahead. Still pretty fast paced, so it keeps you going wanting more. The writers don’t go off on any tangents and keep with the story. Look forward to the next edition.
March 15, 2025
it’s getting better
Still not much world-building but lots of hero action, betrayal and surprises. Super hurricanes, well researched details and some reasonable science. I’m enjoying the hell out of it. Looks like I’ll get the next book in this series.
Zovoarcnor, AI of the Pa’an.
Still not much world-building but lots of hero action, betrayal and surprises. Super hurricanes, well researched details and some reasonable science. I’m enjoying the hell out of it. Looks like I’ll get the next book in this series.
Zovoarcnor, AI of the Pa’an.
March 27, 2025
Hope is all they have to hold on to.
Something goes wrong every time they think that they are making progress. You cannot trust anyone but your immediate friends. From hero to scape goat used to be a suicide bomber. Butter joke is on them, as our two heroes make it to the other side.
Something goes wrong every time they think that they are making progress. You cannot trust anyone but your immediate friends. From hero to scape goat used to be a suicide bomber. Butter joke is on them, as our two heroes make it to the other side.
April 1, 2025
Well, the novel was published early, but I had already started Joshua Calvert's "The Meteor" trilogy before it was releasde. So, I finished all 4 (the trilogy was extended) books of that series before finishing this one. A great addition to a the page turning prequil. Now I'm looking forward to this sets 3rd installment.
June 13, 2025
OK. My Kindle says I'm 30% of the way through the book and they're just talking about signals, speculative physics, cryptography, etc. I enjoy hard sci-fi, but there has to be more to it than that. Honestly, I've gotten to the point where I just don't care that much about what's happening. I'm done.
March 9, 2025
The authors eye and description of details is unmatched
Doug Richards ability to create a new world and then make it real with details as unmatched. Along with his co-author, he creates believable stories that are unbelievable.
Doug Richards ability to create a new world and then make it real with details as unmatched. Along with his co-author, he creates believable stories that are unbelievable.
March 13, 2025
a chilly tale with an uncertain end
Looking forward to Rift 3 and seeing how this story unfolds. I enjoyed the first two Rifts very much and want to see what odds James and Wolf are up against now.
Looking forward to Rift 3 and seeing how this story unfolds. I enjoyed the first two Rifts very much and want to see what odds James and Wolf are up against now.
March 23, 2025
Unexpected!
This series has definitely NOT been run of the mill in any way, shape, or form. I totally did not see that ending coming....like at all. I should be asleep right now, but on to Rift 3 I go.
This series has definitely NOT been run of the mill in any way, shape, or form. I totally did not see that ending coming....like at all. I should be asleep right now, but on to Rift 3 I go.
April 18, 2025
Fun tale
Less science in this series than I have come to enjoy in Richards' works. However, the overall concept is intriguing and the character development is great! Worth the read for sure.
Less science in this series than I have come to enjoy in Richards' works. However, the overall concept is intriguing and the character development is great! Worth the read for sure.
April 19, 2025
Rift?
I've read through the first two books. Still waiting for the real meat of this Rift thing. Too much extensive description and back story to little of the science and adventure the title and book description promised.
Yes, I will be reading book 3, hoping for more.
I've read through the first two books. Still waiting for the real meat of this Rift thing. Too much extensive description and back story to little of the science and adventure the title and book description promised.
Yes, I will be reading book 3, hoping for more.
April 20, 2025
Edge of my seat
I am flying through these books because I can't stop . I try to stop myself from d staying up at night for hours when I should be sleeping but my curiosity wins out and I continue to read until I wake up with my tablet on my face .
I am flying through these books because I can't stop . I try to stop myself from d staying up at night for hours when I should be sleeping but my curiosity wins out and I continue to read until I wake up with my tablet on my face .
May 11, 2025
When the hero isn't a hero.
I read part 1 and was looking forward to part 2. However the story took a turn at camp David that I just can't over. The hero has lost any appeal I had for him. I'm not reading the third book.
I read part 1 and was looking forward to part 2. However the story took a turn at camp David that I just can't over. The hero has lost any appeal I had for him. I'm not reading the third book.
May 26, 2025
Great book!
I loved it. I haven't been this into a book in years. Very well thought out a written. A little technical at times but I got through it. Can't wait to read the next one. I'm outa here!
I loved it. I haven't been this into a book in years. Very well thought out a written. A little technical at times but I got through it. Can't wait to read the next one. I'm outa here!
September 9, 2025
Terrific second installment
This book was much better than the first introduction. Lots of thrills and action, though it's getting somewhat predictable. On that note I'm ready to move ahead and see how our team fares in this unexpected environment. Keep up the good work guys!
This book was much better than the first introduction. Lots of thrills and action, though it's getting somewhat predictable. On that note I'm ready to move ahead and see how our team fares in this unexpected environment. Keep up the good work guys!
November 12, 2025
Great series of 3 books from one of my favorite authors!
Great premise, great action (lots of it!) but just too many mistakes the hero makes... almost gullible to an extent.
All in all though, great book!
Great premise, great action (lots of it!) but just too many mistakes the hero makes... almost gullible to an extent.
All in all though, great book!
November 20, 2025
Riveting
I gave the first book 3 stars because I was so upset the author wasn’t up front about this being a trilogy, and felt so guilty I emailed him to tell him why. This series is every bit as good as his previous works and really is deserving of 5 stars. On to Book 3!
I gave the first book 3 stars because I was so upset the author wasn’t up front about this being a trilogy, and felt so guilty I emailed him to tell him why. This series is every bit as good as his previous works and really is deserving of 5 stars. On to Book 3!
December 4, 2025
James is in need of a psychiatrist
The hero James refusing to use a nuke to save 6 billion people makes him neither a warrior fighting for our lives nor a healer who would want to save lives, just not a credible personality
The hero James refusing to use a nuke to save 6 billion people makes him neither a warrior fighting for our lives nor a healer who would want to save lives, just not a credible personality
March 5, 2025
I've read several of Richards works ... This trilogy are my favorite to date!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews