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Rift Wielder
LOYALTY IS A LIABILITY.
All Liana wants is to make sure Stryker never comes back. It’s no easy task; not when the consequences of her actions are catching up faster than she can outrun them. Following the destruction of the Obelisk, she’s become the people’s A superhuman whose powers must be contained.
But with Wallace on her side, it’s going to be harder than EVOS expected to bring her in. His warrior nature is a force to be reckoned with, and he’ll do anything to protect Liana - including lose himself to his true form.
So when a new foe arrives to confront Liana, neither she nor Wallace are prepared to go head to head with powers fine-tuned to destroy them both.
Liana is outmatched. Without a handle of her powers, her choices are Side with her new rival for a chance at stopping Stryker, or risk losing everything she’s gained.
All Liana wants is to make sure Stryker never comes back. It’s no easy task; not when the consequences of her actions are catching up faster than she can outrun them. Following the destruction of the Obelisk, she’s become the people’s A superhuman whose powers must be contained.
But with Wallace on her side, it’s going to be harder than EVOS expected to bring her in. His warrior nature is a force to be reckoned with, and he’ll do anything to protect Liana - including lose himself to his true form.
So when a new foe arrives to confront Liana, neither she nor Wallace are prepared to go head to head with powers fine-tuned to destroy them both.
Liana is outmatched. Without a handle of her powers, her choices are Side with her new rival for a chance at stopping Stryker, or risk losing everything she’s gained.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Renick
5 books19 followersAuthor also writes under Adrienne Stephens and A. Renick
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 23, 2025
Writing a sequel is always tricky—especially when the first book isn’t just good, but a goddamn depth charge of imagination and plot. Adrienne Renick’s Rift Bringer set a very high bar: a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a city under the shadow of an alien obelisk, with an incredible FMC torn between loyalty, survival, and identity. It was bold and thrilling, and one of my favorite reads of 2024.
So I approached Rift Wielder—the follow-up—with excitement and just a touch of doubt. How do you build on a story that good? As it turned out, I didn’t need to worry. Rift Wielder is a titanic accomplishment that raises the bar—not just for indie science fiction, but for the genre as a whole.
If Rift Bringer was the “f**k around” book, Rift Wielder is where Liana and crew get to find out. From the first pages, the consequences hit like a goddamn bomb. Liana is pursued by a terrifying new adversary, and every step forward forces her—and those around her—to deal with the choices they’ve made. I won’t spoil the plot, but I’ll say this: while Renick does expand the world (new characters, new powers, new threats), what makes this book unforgettable isn’t the scope—it’s the depth.
This is character-driven science fiction at its finest. Every scene is laced with introspection, every decision carries weight. Liana, Wallace, and the rest are allowed to be flawed, vulnerable, and brave in equal measure. Their struggles are real. Their consequences feel earned. Renick approaches world-building from a character-first perspective, and it’s brilliantly done.
What results is a rare blend of fast-paced storytelling and thoughtful, resonant emotion. Rift Wielder is rooted in compassion and character, written in whip-lean prose and fueled by the blast furnace of a wildly gifted imagination. It’s a book that asks the big questions—about loyalty, love, identity, and consequence—without ever losing momentum or clarity.
Sequels are hard. Rift Wielder makes it look effortless. And if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. Rift Wielder is out now, and I cannot wait to talk about it with everyone. If you liked Rift Bringer, this is an absolute must-read by one of the most exciting voices in science fiction today.
So I approached Rift Wielder—the follow-up—with excitement and just a touch of doubt. How do you build on a story that good? As it turned out, I didn’t need to worry. Rift Wielder is a titanic accomplishment that raises the bar—not just for indie science fiction, but for the genre as a whole.
If Rift Bringer was the “f**k around” book, Rift Wielder is where Liana and crew get to find out. From the first pages, the consequences hit like a goddamn bomb. Liana is pursued by a terrifying new adversary, and every step forward forces her—and those around her—to deal with the choices they’ve made. I won’t spoil the plot, but I’ll say this: while Renick does expand the world (new characters, new powers, new threats), what makes this book unforgettable isn’t the scope—it’s the depth.
This is character-driven science fiction at its finest. Every scene is laced with introspection, every decision carries weight. Liana, Wallace, and the rest are allowed to be flawed, vulnerable, and brave in equal measure. Their struggles are real. Their consequences feel earned. Renick approaches world-building from a character-first perspective, and it’s brilliantly done.
What results is a rare blend of fast-paced storytelling and thoughtful, resonant emotion. Rift Wielder is rooted in compassion and character, written in whip-lean prose and fueled by the blast furnace of a wildly gifted imagination. It’s a book that asks the big questions—about loyalty, love, identity, and consequence—without ever losing momentum or clarity.
Sequels are hard. Rift Wielder makes it look effortless. And if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. Rift Wielder is out now, and I cannot wait to talk about it with everyone. If you liked Rift Bringer, this is an absolute must-read by one of the most exciting voices in science fiction today.
June 21, 2025
I'm so grateful to have had the chance to read an ARC copy of this book. I read the first one and just knew I wanted to be on board for this book 2!
Now for the fun part.
This book.
Wow.
I devoured it. It is non-stop action with all the Marvel Avengers vibes that you could want and lovely tension between the main characters. It's the wildest rollar coaster ride of adrenaline, and the author has managed to write a character that you LOVE to hate. For now...
The ending...well, if I say more, you'll know too much! I rarely give a book greater than 5 stars. But this one takes the cake. My first 6 star read this year, and I honestly just want the next story in the saga.
Now for the fun part.
This book.
Wow.
I devoured it. It is non-stop action with all the Marvel Avengers vibes that you could want and lovely tension between the main characters. It's the wildest rollar coaster ride of adrenaline, and the author has managed to write a character that you LOVE to hate. For now...
The ending...well, if I say more, you'll know too much! I rarely give a book greater than 5 stars. But this one takes the cake. My first 6 star read this year, and I honestly just want the next story in the saga.
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July 3, 2025An exciting and intense sequel in what is sure to be your new favourite sci-fi series! Once again, Renick has crafted a story packed with intense action and high stakes, set in the futuristic city of New Wick. I was so excited to see the relationship between Reid and Liana develop, but I was even more entertained by the introduction of two new characters. Caz, complicated and painfully honest, is a great new villain in the story.
What I love most about Renick’s style of storytelling is that, while her stories often involve fantastic characters and settings, the brutally human elements are what make her books truly unforgettable.
What I love most about Renick’s style of storytelling is that, while her stories often involve fantastic characters and settings, the brutally human elements are what make her books truly unforgettable.
July 23, 2025
Oh my GOSH I’ve been waiting for this sequel since I finished the first book and this was WORTH the wait!! Liana’s growth and Wallace’s journey is so heartfelt and well written. The sci-fi elements now have a dash of horror and that romantic tension is just so delicious. I’m seriously recommending this to everyone I know that loves sci-fi. It reads like a stunning movie and I cannot WAIT for the next one!!!
June 16, 2025
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!?
Adrienne makes THE best characters I've read in Sci-fi in... dare I say ever?
I JUST finished reading this whole book (in one sitting, which is rare for me)
Everything about this book was so fun (emotionally ruining, but SO fun!) and I will be screaming at this author to give me book three as soon as it releases (respectfully) 🫶🤭
Adrienne makes THE best characters I've read in Sci-fi in... dare I say ever?
I JUST finished reading this whole book (in one sitting, which is rare for me)
Everything about this book was so fun (emotionally ruining, but SO fun!) and I will be screaming at this author to give me book three as soon as it releases (respectfully) 🫶🤭
July 10, 2025
I am so grateful to have been given a chance to read an ARC of Rift Wielder! It was an action packed follow up that lived up to all the expectations I had at the end of Rift Bringer. I am not typically a sci-fi genre reader, but this series has me broadening my horizons. I am so excited for Book 3 to see what happens next!
September 18, 2025
Adrienne Renick accomplished one of the great many difficulties of writing a trilogy - the second book. Not only does Rift Wielder build on what Rift Bringer laid the groundwork for, but it also helped keep me completely locked in from start to finish. I held my breath with every chapter, the tension constantly dialed past 11. And now I am counting the days until Liana's story is finished.
September 22, 2025
A brilliant sequel to a stellar series. I really liked that this book delved deeper into eonites and their world, and more about Wallace himself. I love the chemistry between Wallace and Liana and all of the moments they shared together. Caz was also a very interesting villain for this book, too. I can't wait for the next book!
January 6, 2026
Book 2 of 3. Why did the book end like that? I need book three and it doesn't come out for like 4 months! I enjoyed these books so far and I really can't wait to see how the story wraps up in book three!
July 23, 2025
Rarely does a sequel live up to the first book in a series, but this one absolutely does. You guys are in for a treat reading this book.
August 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this sequel. It dealt with the fallout of the previous book without letting those events hold it back from new plots and expanded worldbuilding. The new characters were great additions as well. There was a nice balance between action and introspection, sincere conversations and snark.
I'm looking forward to the final book of the trilogy.
I'm looking forward to the final book of the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews