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Riven Worlds #3
Echo Rift: Riven Worlds Book Three: Amaranthe 16
“Everything we have done from the start of this endeavor has been risky. Is the goal not worth any risk?”
In the aftermath of Namino’s liberation, everyone seeks a moment of peace to catch their breath and regroup. But the Rasu will not be waylaid for long, and peace soon becomes a race against time before the next onslaught.
Alex and Caleb search distant stars and the ruins of a dead civilization for a secret weapon that may hold the key to defeating an enemy who cannot be killed by conventional means. In the Dominion, Nika, and Dashiel probe the mysteries of kyoseil in search of answers, but the Asterions’ bond with this ancient and enigmatic life proves more complicated than they ever realized.
“You act as if there are no consequences for your actions and no price for your foolish decisions. It is time to remind you that there is always a price to be paid.”
Formidable as they are, the Rasu are not the only foe seeking to destroy Concord. The Savrakaths have seen their cities leveled and fleets decimated by rebel Anaden forces. Now they marshal their last resources for a final vengeance-fueled strike - against the wrong enemy.
After a failed coup attempt, the Anaden leadership bickers and squabbles amongst themselves - until a ghost from the past returns, determined to finally unite his people. But those who have wielded unbridled power for millennia will not give it up so easily.
Yet amid the deadly battles and insurrections, struggles of faith, hope, friendship and love light the way forward, because winning is about more than just surviving.
In Amaranthe, where exotic alien life, AIs, wormholes, indestructible starships and the promise of immortality rule the day, no feat seems out of reach for humanity. But when the worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collide and the Rasu horde descends upon them both, more will be asked of heroes past and future. More will be given and more taken, and when the dust settles the very fabric of Amaranthe will be changed forever.
In the aftermath of Namino’s liberation, everyone seeks a moment of peace to catch their breath and regroup. But the Rasu will not be waylaid for long, and peace soon becomes a race against time before the next onslaught.
Alex and Caleb search distant stars and the ruins of a dead civilization for a secret weapon that may hold the key to defeating an enemy who cannot be killed by conventional means. In the Dominion, Nika, and Dashiel probe the mysteries of kyoseil in search of answers, but the Asterions’ bond with this ancient and enigmatic life proves more complicated than they ever realized.
“You act as if there are no consequences for your actions and no price for your foolish decisions. It is time to remind you that there is always a price to be paid.”
Formidable as they are, the Rasu are not the only foe seeking to destroy Concord. The Savrakaths have seen their cities leveled and fleets decimated by rebel Anaden forces. Now they marshal their last resources for a final vengeance-fueled strike - against the wrong enemy.
After a failed coup attempt, the Anaden leadership bickers and squabbles amongst themselves - until a ghost from the past returns, determined to finally unite his people. But those who have wielded unbridled power for millennia will not give it up so easily.
Yet amid the deadly battles and insurrections, struggles of faith, hope, friendship and love light the way forward, because winning is about more than just surviving.
In Amaranthe, where exotic alien life, AIs, wormholes, indestructible starships and the promise of immortality rule the day, no feat seems out of reach for humanity. But when the worlds of Aurora Rhapsody and Asterion Noir collide and the Rasu horde descends upon them both, more will be asked of heroes past and future. More will be given and more taken, and when the dust settles the very fabric of Amaranthe will be changed forever.
Audible Audio
First published January 15, 2021
57 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books517 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 15, 2021
This 16th installment of the Amaranthe series felt more like a bridging for novels 15 and 17. Relationships, reconciliation, finding one's self and new discoveries were, to me, the focus. After a really horrible 2020, though, this manner of uplifting tale was needed.
Pacing and tension were on point as well as character development for Marlee, Eren, Mia and Morgan. A crisis of faith, stubbornness and redemption were other themes addressed as well.
There is also what I hope to be a major foreshadowing for events in book 17 (which I will not point out because...spoilers sweetie!). Over all, this was a quicker read than expected and a good set up for book 17.
Pacing and tension were on point as well as character development for Marlee, Eren, Mia and Morgan. A crisis of faith, stubbornness and redemption were other themes addressed as well.
There is also what I hope to be a major foreshadowing for events in book 17 (which I will not point out because...spoilers sweetie!). Over all, this was a quicker read than expected and a good set up for book 17.
January 15, 2021
*checks notes*
You mean I have to talk about something other than just Eren, Corradeo, and Nyx in this review?
Because I could literally make the entire thing about them, you guys.
Ahem. Anyway. When I first received this book for review, I was informed that it would be quieter. More contemplative. Somewhat of a reprieve for both the characters and readers alike after a chaotic last couple of books. I found that to be exactly accurate. That’s not to say there wasn’t still plenty of excitement and intrigue (because what Amaranthe book hasn’t had those things?), but for the most part, our main recurring cast—Alex, Caleb, Nika, Miriam, etc.—spent a good portion of the book recovering from and reflecting on the events of Inversion . Certain relationships have been jeopardized by lies and subterfuge. Lessons have been learned from previous battles—both on a galactic and personal scale—that are certain to shape character growth and events to come.
I will say that Alex and Caleb do get to go on a good old fashioned adventure à la the Aurora Renegades days, one that sheds some light on a mystery that, if my memory serves me correctly, was first introduced in Continuum . Who they meet and what they learn are sure to be game changers.
While the more primary characters have it a little easier this time around, that leaves the more minor characters to have all the fun…that is, if things like life-threatening encounters with cartel leaders, assassinations of perverted tyrants, and the disarming of some seriously nasty bombs can be considered fun (I vote they can). I am here for anything Eren is doing at any time, and have been since he was first introduced (gosh, remember Re/Genesis ? *sheds a tear* it seems so long ago). After a rough go of things in the last couple of books, the poor guy is finally starting to find some purpose again, if in a somewhat unorthodox way, but Echo Rift also introduces a whole new manner of shenanigans for him to get caught up in and I’m over here like…
Speaking of characters I’ve loved since they were first introduced, let’s talk about Corradeo and Nyx now (!!). We haven’t seen the two of them a whole lot since the Aurora Resonant trilogy, but based on the way Inversion ended, I had a hunch they’d be playing a larger role in upcoming events. In that sense, Echo Rift D E L I V E R E D. Even as his alias Danilo Nisi, leader of the anarchs, Corradeo has always been flawlessly written and has commanded every scene he’s in, regardless of which other characters are present (sorry Miriam, it’s true). And even though she’s no longer an antagonist, Nyx still carries that calculating, mysterious-verging-on-sinister air about her that so effectively captured my attention when she first appeared on the page as a ruthless Inquisitor (*gestures around* pssh, what on Earth would give you the impression I enjoy those types of characters??). Given certain Things That Happened™ in this book, I’m very much looking forward to seeing what comes next for these two. And Eren.
And, you know, everyone else, obviously 😉 But for now, mostly those three perfect cinnamon rolls.
You mean I have to talk about something other than just Eren, Corradeo, and Nyx in this review?
Because I could literally make the entire thing about them, you guys.
Ahem. Anyway. When I first received this book for review, I was informed that it would be quieter. More contemplative. Somewhat of a reprieve for both the characters and readers alike after a chaotic last couple of books. I found that to be exactly accurate. That’s not to say there wasn’t still plenty of excitement and intrigue (because what Amaranthe book hasn’t had those things?), but for the most part, our main recurring cast—Alex, Caleb, Nika, Miriam, etc.—spent a good portion of the book recovering from and reflecting on the events of Inversion . Certain relationships have been jeopardized by lies and subterfuge. Lessons have been learned from previous battles—both on a galactic and personal scale—that are certain to shape character growth and events to come.
I will say that Alex and Caleb do get to go on a good old fashioned adventure à la the Aurora Renegades days, one that sheds some light on a mystery that, if my memory serves me correctly, was first introduced in Continuum . Who they meet and what they learn are sure to be game changers.
While the more primary characters have it a little easier this time around, that leaves the more minor characters to have all the fun…that is, if things like life-threatening encounters with cartel leaders, assassinations of perverted tyrants, and the disarming of some seriously nasty bombs can be considered fun (I vote they can). I am here for anything Eren is doing at any time, and have been since he was first introduced (gosh, remember Re/Genesis ? *sheds a tear* it seems so long ago). After a rough go of things in the last couple of books, the poor guy is finally starting to find some purpose again, if in a somewhat unorthodox way, but Echo Rift also introduces a whole new manner of shenanigans for him to get caught up in and I’m over here like…
Speaking of characters I’ve loved since they were first introduced, let’s talk about Corradeo and Nyx now (!!). We haven’t seen the two of them a whole lot since the Aurora Resonant trilogy, but based on the way Inversion ended, I had a hunch they’d be playing a larger role in upcoming events. In that sense, Echo Rift D E L I V E R E D. Even as his alias Danilo Nisi, leader of the anarchs, Corradeo has always been flawlessly written and has commanded every scene he’s in, regardless of which other characters are present (sorry Miriam, it’s true). And even though she’s no longer an antagonist, Nyx still carries that calculating, mysterious-verging-on-sinister air about her that so effectively captured my attention when she first appeared on the page as a ruthless Inquisitor (*gestures around* pssh, what on Earth would give you the impression I enjoy those types of characters??). Given certain Things That Happened™ in this book, I’m very much looking forward to seeing what comes next for these two. And Eren.
And, you know, everyone else, obviously 😉 But for now, mostly those three perfect cinnamon rolls.
January 15, 2021
What, are we sixteen books into this and I still can't stop reading? This was a good "breather" novel. There was still excitement, drive to read, and tension, but not nearly as much as other books. Many of the characters start to 'come back 'round' which is really what I wanted. Not saying anything else!
This is the PERFECT book to end 2020 with and start 2021. Gives you that escapism, breath of fresh air, and the courage to start again.
This is the PERFECT book to end 2020 with and start 2021. Gives you that escapism, breath of fresh air, and the courage to start again.
January 11, 2021
I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of spending time in the Amaranthe universe. Echo Rift is a fast-paced, utterly engrossing read that balances character and plot development perfectly; the Riven Worlds arc is a fantastic addition to what was already a wonderful series, and I can’t wait to see where this story is going next.
January 22, 2021
As usual, I had a great time reading this story! I stopped reading Book 4 of Stormlight Archives to read it. Probably because I needed to read something in witch hope exist. And good people are at keys position to change the world in a good way. They are not perfect, but they try to do their best.
Marlee has matured, finally! More calm, less hot-headed, she becomes aware of the wounds of those around her and she takes care not to add more, I find that admirable.
The conflict between Mia and Malcolm is heartbreaking, but I think she's making the right decisions about her future, whether he's with him or not.
I don't remember how many books are planned for this saga, with the main arc as the rasu. I found that the end of the book looked like an end of the cycle, an epilogue without being one. I can't wait to see how they defeat rasu.
As usual, one of my favorite thing is new aliens. I like to discover new ones, and the Ourankeli are intriguing.
Soooo, I go back to Stormlight book 4 for now, waiting 6 months (I hope) to the next Amaranthe book. Well done, G.S. Jennsen! and thank you. :)
Marlee has matured, finally! More calm, less hot-headed, she becomes aware of the wounds of those around her and she takes care not to add more, I find that admirable.
The conflict between Mia and Malcolm is heartbreaking, but I think she's making the right decisions about her future, whether he's with him or not.
I don't remember how many books are planned for this saga, with the main arc as the rasu. I found that the end of the book looked like an end of the cycle, an epilogue without being one. I can't wait to see how they defeat rasu.
As usual, one of my favorite thing is new aliens. I like to discover new ones, and the Ourankeli are intriguing.
Soooo, I go back to Stormlight book 4 for now, waiting 6 months (I hope) to the next Amaranthe book. Well done, G.S. Jennsen! and thank you. :)
January 20, 2021
This rating is for the entire Amaranthe series, not just for Echo Rift. For me, this is the best SF series of all time, even better than Asimov's series, the Foundation, which I loved and read several times. Amaranthe is indeed a living universe, populated with highly believable characters, both positive and negative or both at the same time. Characters really live, evolve, change, struggle with the circumstances in which they find themselves or struggle with themselves, with so much realism that it's like you see them evolving around you. It's the only series I don't want to see completed.
December 16, 2021
Another well-written installment in GS Jennsen's epic sci-fi series. I do find that I'm having a more difficult time staying engaged with certain characters and plotlines the longer the series goes on, but I'm definitely a "please only 2-5 books in a series" kind of reader, so the fact that I'm invested enough to still be reading this after so long is a testament to the author's storytelling. While not every character will resonate with every reader, I do think that there is *someone* for every reader to really connect with in these books, and I appreciated some of the changing dynamics and seeing characters interact who we haven't really seen interact before. Eren and Nyx in particular was a team-up I'd love to see more of.
The audiobook narration is excellent, as usual. I'm always impressed by how well the narrator is able to make each character's voice distinct with such a large cast.
The audiobook narration is excellent, as usual. I'm always impressed by how well the narrator is able to make each character's voice distinct with such a large cast.
February 3, 2021
I have to say, G. S. Jennsen has a gift, for creating characters, worlds and story that keep you wanting more. From the very first book – Starshine – to the current book – Echo Rift – her characters feel like family, her worlds have become as familiar to me as my own backyard. I’ve been drawn in from the start and invested in her action, drama and romance.
It’s space opera at its best. This book puts us right back in the action. The characters and worlds are once again under threat. There is heartbreak and danger but there’s also love, friendship and the belief that they can get through whatever comes at them.
Often in a series they become stagnant or repetitive but not here. Each book gets better, the connection with the story just gets stronger. It’s one series I will be following all the way to the end and probably still want more because G. S. Jennsen’s books are simply that good.
It’s space opera at its best. This book puts us right back in the action. The characters and worlds are once again under threat. There is heartbreak and danger but there’s also love, friendship and the belief that they can get through whatever comes at them.
Often in a series they become stagnant or repetitive but not here. Each book gets better, the connection with the story just gets stronger. It’s one series I will be following all the way to the end and probably still want more because G. S. Jennsen’s books are simply that good.
March 3, 2021
Another rousing adventure in the Universe(s) of G.S. Jennsen. It was great to see all the characters I have come to care for during the past 15 books and related short stories. The cast has become so large that I must admit having to refer to the "Dramatis Personae" to refresh my memory as to the relationships of some of them.
On this seventh anniversary of "Starshine", G.S.'s very first novel, it is wonderful to see such talent succeed. And she has definitely succeeded! I said in the review of "Starshine" that she would take her place among the greats of Science Fiction and, she is well on her way. "Echo Rift" is no exception to the quality of Jensen's work. I anxiously await the next story she wants to tell.
On this seventh anniversary of "Starshine", G.S.'s very first novel, it is wonderful to see such talent succeed. And she has definitely succeeded! I said in the review of "Starshine" that she would take her place among the greats of Science Fiction and, she is well on her way. "Echo Rift" is no exception to the quality of Jensen's work. I anxiously await the next story she wants to tell.
March 17, 2021
Audio book review. Great installment in a great series. I really like this one for me less space battles and more character stories. Also laughed out loud when the narrator Pyper Down who does different voices for the characters at one point had a female character who just was in a fight and had her nose broken but immediately had to talk to her ex boyfriend so made the most hilarious voice of Mia with a freshly broken nose. Loved it!
February 9, 2021
Perfect balance of familiar characters, individual and relational development, and new threats. As always, nicely paced and intriguing. Ready for #17!
And, if you haven't recently read the prior book(s), Jennsen offers an excellent summary of the recent novels to refresh your memory and your emotions.
And, if you haven't recently read the prior book(s), Jennsen offers an excellent summary of the recent novels to refresh your memory and your emotions.
February 5, 2021
More adventure and faster than light entanglements. I continue to be drawn in and enthralled. The best thing is that I am still looking forward to the next one.
May 17, 2021
I finally took a day off and just READ. Such a great experience. I had the feeling all the loose threads were being tied down, quite satisfactorily. Then, WHAM !!
I really enjoy all these characters, getting to know them, seeing them deal with life, most of them successfully. Some arcs are heart-warming, all are satisfying. I was lulled into thinking "happily ever after." Then, well, maybe not.
Thank you. I needed a good escape, a cerebral and engaging distraction. Echo Rift did NOT disappoint.
Really, really looking forward to the next adventure.
I really enjoy all these characters, getting to know them, seeing them deal with life, most of them successfully. Some arcs are heart-warming, all are satisfying. I was lulled into thinking "happily ever after." Then, well, maybe not.
Thank you. I needed a good escape, a cerebral and engaging distraction. Echo Rift did NOT disappoint.
Really, really looking forward to the next adventure.
September 29, 2021
I can't believe that I am still reading this series. After 16 books and many short stories, I can't wait for the next one. This took so long to read because I waited for the trilogy to complete before reading it.
This way I need to review the characters only once.
This is a great saga and the longest I have ever read. I've been reading Sci-Fi since I was 10 and read Lucky Starr series by Asimov and Tom Swift Jr. series by Appleton.
I hope G.S. Jennsen keeps writing this series.
I will have to wait for the next book in this series.
This way I need to review the characters only once.
This is a great saga and the longest I have ever read. I've been reading Sci-Fi since I was 10 and read Lucky Starr series by Asimov and Tom Swift Jr. series by Appleton.
I hope G.S. Jennsen keeps writing this series.
I will have to wait for the next book in this series.
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February 8, 2022Captivating
I am a fan of this series, having read every book until this one. I will order the next one asap.
G.S. Jensen is a superb writer on par with the other authors I care about. I have developed a deep affection with the characters in this series and will read every word written.
I am a fan of this series, having read every book until this one. I will order the next one asap.
G.S. Jensen is a superb writer on par with the other authors I care about. I have developed a deep affection with the characters in this series and will read every word written.
April 18, 2021
This wasn't as good as I normally find this extended series by this author. It just kind of kept jumping around without any particular subplot being memorable/important.
I'm still continuing with this series for certain, this one just felt a bit unfocused.
I'm still continuing with this series for certain, this one just felt a bit unfocused.
May 30, 2021
Another excellent book. Took me longer to finish as I was not on holiday. But that just increased the suspense.
January 10, 2022
Another excellent book. Plots, subplots, relationships - new, old, together and apart. Great story telling.
October 2, 2022
Another epic addition to Ms. Jennsen's sci-fi series! Excellent as always.
December 5, 2023
Excellent
Excellent series leaves me anxious for the next book. I highly recommend this series if you are a science fiction fan.
Excellent series leaves me anxious for the next book. I highly recommend this series if you are a science fiction fan.
February 29, 2024
G. S, Jennsen is my favorite author and has been since I read the first book of the series.
She never disappoints
She never disappoints
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews