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The Rift #3

The Rift 3

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James, Hannah, and Wolf face their greatest challenge yet in the pulse-pounding conclusion to The Rift trilogy. “Just when you thought the story couldn’t get more riveting, Richards and Calvert dazzle, saving their best for last.”

Finally reunited on an advanced, alternate Earth where the mighty Roman Empire never died, James, Hannah, and Wolf now stand at the precipice of an interdimensional war threatening to obliterate everything they’ve fought to protect. As the fabric of existence continues to unravel, unleashing anomalous storms and creating rifts large enough for unstoppable warships to traverse, the trio must find a way to repel a superior force bent on conquest.

Impossible, yes, but also just the beginning of their problems. Because they’re in a battle for their very lives. And if the tears in the fabric of reality aren’t completely mended, both worlds will ultimately fall, regardless of which side is victorious.

The explosive conclusion to The Rift trilogy delivers a relentless thrill ride packed with mind-bending twists and heart-pounding action, and a question that echoes through the can a trio of extraordinary individuals survive and defy all odds, or will two worlds be condemned to oblivion?

“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)

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2025

440 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Douglas E. Richards

48 books1,738 followers
Write 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

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5 stars
1,139 (59%)
4 stars
576 (30%)
3 stars
150 (7%)
2 stars
35 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
888 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2025
I feel like they had no idea where to go from the second book, so just kinda made shit up to end it. This sucked.
Profile Image for Shayna.
2 reviews
April 10, 2025
This trilogy is worthy of a Razzie if there were Razzies for books.

I finished the trilogy before writing this because I’m cursed with a brain that has to finish what it starts, and the hours I spent reading these books are hours I’ll never get back. The premise was interesting, excellent even, but the execution was terrible. I’m shocked that not one, but two authors were proud enough of this endeavor to put their names on it. Each book was worse than the previous one- riddled with eye roll inducing clichés on nearly every page and a series of events and MacGuffins more improbable as each chapter plodded on. Dr./Major James Barron, the main protagonist, is the ultimate Mary Sue for men with average and below intelligence who like to use “alpha” as a descriptor and fetishize the military and imagined power in general. Learn from my mistake and don’t bother with these books.
131 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2025
Another Home Run

I gave book one a 3 star review(having read a large quantity of Douglas E Richard’s published work, and never given less than a 5 star review). I claimed it was because I was caught off guard and that it was not advertised as a trilogy. In retrospect, a recent near death medical issue probably made me a little crankier than usual-I’m so ready for medical nanites! This coauthored series is every bit as well written as his previous work. I read for diversion from a few of life’s challenges and this trilogy sucked me(read in its entirety in less than 48 hours. My apologies to the author for the three star on book one, I will edit and correct it or delete it and start over. For any author, the reviews determine their listing on Amazon/NY times/ Goodreads/etc. Leaving a good review is even more important than tipping for awesome service so please always leave honest reviews. I’ve actually read some books because of the conundrum of why 1/2 loved it and 1/2 hated it. This author never disappoints.(Hey Douglas, on the next book 1 please have a cover note that states “Book 1/3” or “ a stand alone novel or “a sequel to”. I’m now an old man and can’t die if I haven’t finished a series….
69 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2025
Two kind of people are going to read this book: those who like the previous and those, like me, who have to finish something they start.
I really like Douglas' solo books but I must say that I really found the previous two installment of The Rift to be underwhelming, boring. What's missing is Douglas' touch for clever twists, here it feels like everything it's brute force, for each new problem a new technology drops from heaven to solve it.

This book is so laughingly bad that it reads almost like a parody of its genre. And I almost managed to finish it, but I my willpower ran out at the epilogue, so technically I read only 95% of it. The love story was just so sweet and syrupy that I just couldn't take it anymore, I simply reached my limit. And if you've read the whole series and this book you imagine that my limit for nonsense is pretty much sky-high in the first place.

Anyway, I still love you Douglas, I hope this collaboration is just a one off and that you go back to writing cutting edge, clever thrillers. You're the master of that style on your own and I hope this failure doesn't make you doubt your talent, let's just put this one behind and do something great next.
4 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2025
This trilogy is by far my favorite book series of 2025 (I know, I know - it’s still early in the year - however I doubt anything knocks it off the top of my list!)

The innovation shown in taking a minor event from our distant past and creating an alternate timeline has been done before - but never with as much polish.

Imagining how different our world turns out if we didn’t go thru two world wars - made this such a fascinating read of how our history continues to shape us. A mirror for humanity, if we but choose to look.

Sometimes, bringing two great minds to focus on one book leaves a hole, something is lacking, but you can’t put your finger on it.

In this case, I’m happy to report that reading this book will make you whole.

My only disappointment is that I now have to wait to see what these two will come up with next.
318 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2025
Absolutely exceptional

This was my favorite of the 3. Talk about edge of your seat, biting your nails. Omg, this was so good, heart pounding, created so much anxiety because I immerse myself into the book as if I am watching a movie so my room that I am reading in doesn't exist. I am on the ship or in the water with the character and if someone is trying to talk to me they literally have to physically shake me to get my attention because I totally wrapped up in my book. My daughter said she she can not comprehend how I can immerse myself so deeply that nothing else exist. Just lucky I guess. Douglas and Joshua thank you both from the depths of my heart for creating this fantastic story to share with us.
Profile Image for Alex.
Author 3 books13 followers
September 11, 2025
The Rift is easily my favorite story in Douglas Richards oeuvre. I read the entire trilogy in four days. A thoroughly entertaining read from a brilliant author, and his adroit handling of the myriad scientific theories and functions that play a huge roll in his books amazes me every time. Richards does a great job of keeping the pace brisk while bringing the characters to life in a succinct yet vivid way that pulls readers in immediately, and we all appreciate that in a sci fi thriller. One of my favorite things about this trilogy is the way he weaves in futuristic tech that seems plausible - and man do I want to get my hands on some of those nanites! Don't miss this one, you'll be hooked instantly!
Profile Image for Matt Egan.
625 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2025
This is how to conclude a trilogy properly!

The Rift 3 is the final book in the spectacular Rift trilogy and serves as a master class on how a trilogy should be concluded. The way all the threads from the first books go from a tangled knot to a perfectly woven tapestry! The characters and everything else are so goo its hard not to overstate it. I won't give away any even minor spoilers, I can't ruin it for you. Just know this trilogy is in my top 3 favorites, pushing towards the top spot! 5/5 stars. Highly, highly recommended for sci-fi fans and anyone curious about the premise. You will not be disappointed if you give The Rift trilogy a try!!
294 reviews
March 9, 2025
This is the third book in the series, where it becomes apparent that the Roman Empire survived in the other reality but managed to destroy their earth and their Emperor is on a drive to conqueror more worlds. James, Wolf and Hannah are reunited and together they battle to help save their world, which until the last second it seems they are not going to do, they battle everything and everyone they meet has their own agenda. Just what is the right way to proceed and can they stop the Emperor?
It's a cracking read, the tech is something you go, I want that and yes AI that is a help and not a master would be a really good invention.
Profile Image for Michael Chesler.
86 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
Which Side Are You On?

A trilogy worth its weight in words of gold. An inter dimensional adventure that brings forth all of the basic book groups. Fantasy, Science, Science Fiction, Western, Romance etc., you get the point.
There aren’t so many characters to confuse and disable the plot movement of the 3 books.
It has the right amount of all emotions that landed quite realistic to me. I got involved with the main 3 characters and saw wonderful development of them as real people.
It is fast paced, energetic and quite fascinating with the help of true science.
Enjoy!
48 reviews
April 18, 2025
gripping story - miserable writing

That this trilogy has such an engaging set of concepts is underscored by the fact that I plodded through endless repetitions of things like how wonderful people believe the characters are, a continuous cycle of discovering the Arar betrayed, and then the death of their betrayer, and really clumsy literary advocacy for progressive concepts that are cheapened by throwaway lines.

Reads to me as author Richards being imitated by a sophomore AI.
Profile Image for Bill Sorg.
105 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2025
A bit of a chore getting through the first half of this book. It went into too much detail about the “new universe’s” government hierarchy and became boring. Then it picked up
In the 2nd half and had a pretty good ending. But with all Richards’s books, it was almost TOO good of an ending… the earth is saved, the good guys all stay alive and get the love & adoration of the world, and the guy gets the girl. Typical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
July 28, 2025
This series went downhill with each book. I love ALL of Douglas's other books (apart from Veracity) so I stuck with this all the way to the bitter end. I was so disappointed as it fizzled out to a conclusion in the most meandering, dull conversation imaginable. It really felt like a student essay ending rather than that of not one but two experienced writers.

This won't stop me buying more books by Douglas but I will certainly avoid any future collaborations with Joshua.
Profile Image for Ravi Warrier.
Author 4 books14 followers
October 11, 2025
This was better than #2 and almost as entertaining as #1 with the exception of the soppy last 10 chapters.

Why do storytellers feel the need to bring in human emotions and vulnerability into everything is beyond my understanding?

With the fate of the world in the balance, why does romance need to feature in?

And for ruining what could have been an action-packed, thrilling ending the book gets -2 stars.
Profile Image for Monique Wilson.
41 reviews
March 25, 2025
Amazing Series!

This whole series was fantastic! I love considering the other realities that undoubtedly exist. I would like to know why the authors chose that specific moment in time.

The ending of the 3rd book was a bit more rushed than I would have liked. I wish the epilogue would've been more fleshed out. But, I guess all good things must come to an end.
355 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2025
Great book

This has to be the best series of books that I have ever read. So much action and suspense that I couldn't put it down. These men that collaborated on these books came up with a million seller right out the gate. The cast of characters could not have been any better. I recommend reading this to all that love science fiction and just plain fiction.
Profile Image for Debby McDonald.
41 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
fantastic!

This is one of the best books I’ve read. It’s a page turner and keeps you on your toes continuously. It shows a possible future of earth and it’s not impossible to happen. The ending is the way you’d hope would turn out if this happened to us. But who knows how people would react to world wide events happening. Only time will tell
Profile Image for Nicole Maxwell.
90 reviews
April 8, 2025
Decent series. Really makes you think how the events would play out IRL. I do wish there was an explanation of why James was so haunted by his past as a commando. Compared to Brandon Sanderson the character development was surface level, but if you accept the story at the writing level it was written at then you won’t be disappointed - hence my 4 ⭐️
1 review
May 5, 2025
The Rift trilogy

The trilogy was well w written and kept my interest very well. I felt that it kept me wanting to find out what was coming next. I could hardly put it down. I read this trilogy because I am captivated by the authors style and well integrated science, both real and on the horizon of reality.
5 reviews
May 17, 2025
another Doug Richards masterpiece (with Joshua Calvert)

Having read several series and stand alone stories written by Douglas Richards, I recommend him wholeheartedly! I usually don’t like collaborative storytelling. One can tell which sections are written by different writers but not with this series. If you like science fiction with convoluted twists , you will like this one!
6 reviews
June 11, 2025
science fiction buffs - this is a great read

This is a great trifecta of three books with number three bring it all together and a fascinating way. Really holds your attention and delivers a positive message of the need for us to foster global partnership and cooperation instead of the division and mistrust we are bombarded with at present.
6 reviews
September 30, 2025
What a concept!

This series is a work of art from 2 of the best scifi writers out there. I've enjoyed great reads from Richards and Calvert separately for a number of years. But this series takes the cake! A very unique story involving interdimensional travel and other thought provoking scifi concepts. A real page turner! Enjoy!
16 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
Fantastic Reads

Read all three Rifts and they were excellent. All types of danger, some mysteries to solve, mix in a little romance, a lot of daring escapades and you have the Rifts. Enjoy them.
23 reviews
Read
March 24, 2025
Heavy duty action

Remind me never to be one of your main characters. The main characters and even the second level characters go through hell three or four or five times over in this series. I love the books, but I am exhausted. But in a good way. Some great storytelling here.
Profile Image for Deborah Zaranti.
20 reviews
March 27, 2025
Great series! Well developed characters. How could you not love Wolf, James and Hannah?
Very creative story about a parallel Earth in a not too distant future. Doug and Josh collaborate very well. Hope to see more of their collaborations in the future!
68 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2025
creative

Great imagination. Much enjoyed the trilogy. If only it were true. This planet is in terrible trouble and it will require a rift or the equivalent to cure it. Much enjoyed the plot and characters. Could make for another series!
346 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2025
Victory against all odds. God is looking after us after all.

Save two worlds and improve them both in the process. Knowledge in the right hands can take the politics out of it and focus on the greater good. Enjoy the action packed conclusion with many twists and turns.
7 reviews
April 20, 2025
Great Trilogy

Rift 3 came through to wrap things up from 1 an 2 . None stop action. With hopefully the introduction of new heroes for future novels! Richards hits another home run.
10 reviews
April 26, 2025
Great thrilling sci-Fi adventure

The three book are well worth the read. Plenty of twists and intrigue to keep you guessing. I love the out of box sci--fi plots and story line; this could be an amazing movie series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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