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The Rift
When the Rift opens, death follows.
For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have guarded the Old Herd against horrors released by the Rift. Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with a rare scar and even rarer gifts, fights daily to prove he belongs within their ranks. After nine years away, Meg Archer returns to her childhood home only to find the Island is facing a new threat that not even the Rangers are prepared for. Meg and Cal can’t ignore their attraction, but can they face their darkest fears to save the Island from disaster?
For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have guarded the Old Herd against horrors released by the Rift. Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with a rare scar and even rarer gifts, fights daily to prove he belongs within their ranks. After nine years away, Meg Archer returns to her childhood home only to find the Island is facing a new threat that not even the Rangers are prepared for. Meg and Cal can’t ignore their attraction, but can they face their darkest fears to save the Island from disaster?
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
11 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Craw
9 books457 followersRachael is a reader, dreamer, joker, singer, believer, writer and lover of words.
Author of award winning Spark, Stray, Shield & TheRift (Walker Books Australia and Candlewick Press) and The Lost Saint (8th Note Press and Allen & Unwin NZ)
She lives in NZ and teaches part time while writing her next novel.
Find Rachael on Instagram, TikTok and Threads
Author of award winning Spark, Stray, Shield & TheRift (Walker Books Australia and Candlewick Press) and The Lost Saint (8th Note Press and Allen & Unwin NZ)
She lives in NZ and teaches part time while writing her next novel.
Find Rachael on Instagram, TikTok and Threads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 8, 2019
Woah. That was...woah.
I wasn’t expecting this, but I got so much Stiefvater vibes from this book! I am amazed lol.
What’s this about??
For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have protected the sacred creatures of their land from the horrors caused by the Rift. Cal West, an apprentice ranger with rare abilities, is fighting hard every day to prove to other rangers that he belongs as one of them. Meg Archer, an old friend, returns to Black Water Island after 9 years only to find out that the Island is facing a new threat. Meg and Cal must go past their fears to protect the Island together.
💭 Thoughts!
The Rift has a infuriatingly confusing start, but after 80 pages or so it starts to make some sense, then more sense, then more sense, until it gets so interesting that the book completely demands and captures attention from you. Suddenly you find that you will not be able to stop reading until the end like you were caught in some sort of trap!
I couldn’t believe it was actually over when I turned the next page to see the ‘Acknowledgements’ section. Like what you can’t just leave me here!!! >~<
It’s been said many times before, but I can’t agree more that this book has a Maggie Stiefvater vibe to it, and fans of hers would likely be fans of Craw's (that’s one huge compliment ya know!) because The Rift involves invisible hellhounds, mythical deer, ley lines and special people with unique, magical powers.
Not only was the setting, Black Water Island, very well thought-out and brimming with magical energy, the plot was also original, interesting and undeniably full of twists and turns that made the story quite enjoyable to read. The characters, especially Meg and Cal who are old friends reunited after nine years, had such authentic personalities and very real feelings about their insecurities and fears for the challenges that were awaiting them. It was overall fantastic.
It took me so long to get really into this (exactly 80 pages, I checked) but then it was just amazing. I am completely shook.
Also, I LOVE JOSS. Joss is literally my favourite character of the year so far. I just had to say that.
2019 is off to a greaaaat start! ✨
I wasn’t expecting this, but I got so much Stiefvater vibes from this book! I am amazed lol.
“When the Rift opens, death follows.”
What’s this about??
For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have protected the sacred creatures of their land from the horrors caused by the Rift. Cal West, an apprentice ranger with rare abilities, is fighting hard every day to prove to other rangers that he belongs as one of them. Meg Archer, an old friend, returns to Black Water Island after 9 years only to find out that the Island is facing a new threat. Meg and Cal must go past their fears to protect the Island together.
💭 Thoughts!
The Rift has a infuriatingly confusing start, but after 80 pages or so it starts to make some sense, then more sense, then more sense, until it gets so interesting that the book completely demands and captures attention from you. Suddenly you find that you will not be able to stop reading until the end like you were caught in some sort of trap!
I couldn’t believe it was actually over when I turned the next page to see the ‘Acknowledgements’ section. Like what you can’t just leave me here!!! >~<
It’s been said many times before, but I can’t agree more that this book has a Maggie Stiefvater vibe to it, and fans of hers would likely be fans of Craw's (that’s one huge compliment ya know!) because The Rift involves invisible hellhounds, mythical deer, ley lines and special people with unique, magical powers.
Not only was the setting, Black Water Island, very well thought-out and brimming with magical energy, the plot was also original, interesting and undeniably full of twists and turns that made the story quite enjoyable to read. The characters, especially Meg and Cal who are old friends reunited after nine years, had such authentic personalities and very real feelings about their insecurities and fears for the challenges that were awaiting them. It was overall fantastic.
It took me so long to get really into this (exactly 80 pages, I checked) but then it was just amazing. I am completely shook.
Also, I LOVE JOSS. Joss is literally my favourite character of the year so far. I just had to say that.
2019 is off to a greaaaat start! ✨
January 8, 2019
★★★★☆
Black Water Island is immersed in tradition, a millennia since The Rift emerged causing the mountain to fracture. The residents of Black Water are isolated from the mainland, without television or internet access to maintain the fragile ecosystem of the island. Every four years, hunters descent on the intimate pastoral community to participate in The Cull, the resident generational Rangers responsible for the Old Herd while young deer are harvested by Nutris Pharmaceuticals for their medicinal properties.
The narrative centralises upon the intimate, isolated Black Water Island and the community, the reluctant agreement with Nutris Pharmaceuticals, the Rangers and unscrupulous corporation. Fisherman's son Cal West is a Ranger, his appointed position a rarity among the Ranger ranks, the position considered hereditary and a right of passage among the generations of Black Water residents. Cal carries the Sight, an ability to sense distress among the Old Herd he is sworn to protect.
Meg Archer is returning to Black Water Island, nine years after moving to the mainland with her mother, a cancer survivor. Growing up on the island, Meg was determined to join the ranks of the prestigious Rangers, her father elevated to Sargent and carrying the honoured tradition from his predecessor. Meg and Cal were once childhood friends, inseparable as they explored their island home. After a tragic incident upon the mountain, Meg was removed from the island and assumed Cal had been taken by protective services, the young boy orphaned and alone. Having returned, Meg is now torn between her attraction towards Cal and her resentment, as he remained on the island and trained as a Ranger. Their tentative reconnection bound by the scars they share.
I really enjoyed the intense connection between Meg and Cal. Cal able to connect to the Old Herd through the ability of Sight comes with a hefty consequence, he can also sense death. Through touch, he feels the life force of those around him, especially within Meg's vicinity.
The Black Water Island is majestic, separated by the Rift and ley lines that thrum with positive energy and spirituality. The premise is fascinating, a blend of fantasy and intricately woven magical realism. The Rift is a tear in the atmosphere to another dimension beyond the island, Rift Hounds appear as apparitions and materialising throughout the mountain as large, savage beasts. The Rangers entered into a reluctant agreement with Nutris Pharmaceuticals who farm the island for antlers from the low lying Herd to create a potent medicinal concoction known as Actaeon’s Bane. Like all large corporations, they have a stranglehold on the community in exchange for maintaining the island and providing an income for the residents. Corruption and underhandedness result in Nutris Pharmaceuticals demanding more than the island can provide, creating a deadly atmosphere and with The Rift only moments from opening, alliances will be fractured and secrets revealed.
What surprised me most was how beautifully atmospheric The Rift is. The writing holds a stillness and spiritual like quality rarely seen in fantasy young adult novels. That quiet intensity slowly lured me in and held me captive. The Rift is wildly imagined and beautifully portrayed, a new direction for Rachael Craw that will no doubt enchant international audiences. She's outdone herself.
Black Water Island is immersed in tradition, a millennia since The Rift emerged causing the mountain to fracture. The residents of Black Water are isolated from the mainland, without television or internet access to maintain the fragile ecosystem of the island. Every four years, hunters descent on the intimate pastoral community to participate in The Cull, the resident generational Rangers responsible for the Old Herd while young deer are harvested by Nutris Pharmaceuticals for their medicinal properties.
The narrative centralises upon the intimate, isolated Black Water Island and the community, the reluctant agreement with Nutris Pharmaceuticals, the Rangers and unscrupulous corporation. Fisherman's son Cal West is a Ranger, his appointed position a rarity among the Ranger ranks, the position considered hereditary and a right of passage among the generations of Black Water residents. Cal carries the Sight, an ability to sense distress among the Old Herd he is sworn to protect.
Meg Archer is returning to Black Water Island, nine years after moving to the mainland with her mother, a cancer survivor. Growing up on the island, Meg was determined to join the ranks of the prestigious Rangers, her father elevated to Sargent and carrying the honoured tradition from his predecessor. Meg and Cal were once childhood friends, inseparable as they explored their island home. After a tragic incident upon the mountain, Meg was removed from the island and assumed Cal had been taken by protective services, the young boy orphaned and alone. Having returned, Meg is now torn between her attraction towards Cal and her resentment, as he remained on the island and trained as a Ranger. Their tentative reconnection bound by the scars they share.
I really enjoyed the intense connection between Meg and Cal. Cal able to connect to the Old Herd through the ability of Sight comes with a hefty consequence, he can also sense death. Through touch, he feels the life force of those around him, especially within Meg's vicinity.
The Black Water Island is majestic, separated by the Rift and ley lines that thrum with positive energy and spirituality. The premise is fascinating, a blend of fantasy and intricately woven magical realism. The Rift is a tear in the atmosphere to another dimension beyond the island, Rift Hounds appear as apparitions and materialising throughout the mountain as large, savage beasts. The Rangers entered into a reluctant agreement with Nutris Pharmaceuticals who farm the island for antlers from the low lying Herd to create a potent medicinal concoction known as Actaeon’s Bane. Like all large corporations, they have a stranglehold on the community in exchange for maintaining the island and providing an income for the residents. Corruption and underhandedness result in Nutris Pharmaceuticals demanding more than the island can provide, creating a deadly atmosphere and with The Rift only moments from opening, alliances will be fractured and secrets revealed.
What surprised me most was how beautifully atmospheric The Rift is. The writing holds a stillness and spiritual like quality rarely seen in fantasy young adult novels. That quiet intensity slowly lured me in and held me captive. The Rift is wildly imagined and beautifully portrayed, a new direction for Rachael Craw that will no doubt enchant international audiences. She's outdone herself.
December 31, 2018
What an incredibly unique and whimsical read about an island filled with ley lines, and the Rangers that live on it containing mystical powers! This one caught my surprise and I was soon swept up in the beautiful descriptions of Black Rock island, of the supernatural creatures living on it, and of Cal and Meg's story.
As others have mentioned, it definitely has a Stiefvater vibe to it, where you as the reader are left to experience the story without giving anything directly away. I got a bit confused about the actual plot towards the end, as things were ramping up but we weren't really told why, but it does unfold in a logical manner towards the end.
Full review to come.
As others have mentioned, it definitely has a Stiefvater vibe to it, where you as the reader are left to experience the story without giving anything directly away. I got a bit confused about the actual plot towards the end, as things were ramping up but we weren't really told why, but it does unfold in a logical manner towards the end.
Full review to come.
October 17, 2019
Check out the original review for a guest post by Rachael Craw as part of The Rift blog tour!
I received this book in a YA Chronicles subscription box some months prior to the announcement of this blog tour, which I then eagerly signed up for. I hadn't been able to stop thinking about this book since I discovered it in my subscription box, and I was so excited to read about this story that seemed to draw on some things that I was already really into: Greek myths, Gothic atmospheres, isolated islands, animal bonds, a group of people referred to as 'Rangers'.
In the subscription box, Craw had written a note that revealed one of her favourite books isThe Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, and that she was inspired by the gothic atmosphere of that novel. I can completely see the similarities, or maybe inspirations, of that wonderful novel in Craw's lushly atmospheric, timeless, violent story about dangerous magical animals and the people who love and live with them.
Craw's novel is so lovingly filled with imaginative descriptions of the scenery it's like a love letter to the Gothic atmosphere: the ethereal herd of magical deer who occupy this mountainous, magical, isolated island; and the outdoorsy Rangers who monitor the slopes and protect the herd from the deadly and unpredictable Rift Hounds. I could clearly see the forest in my head - and maybe it's because I live in a cool temperate, or oceanic, climate with amazing rainforests and mountains, that I could so clearly envision the eerie, beautiful forest setting. It's the same climate as New Zealand (where Craw is from) and the Pacific North West (where I think the book may be set), so together I think I might be the perfect audience for this book's setting.
I loved less the 'romance' aspect. I found that because Meg and Cal didn't realise their feelings were mutual, that resulted in the infatuations seeming a bit childish (stemming from their shared childhood and trauma and compounded by intense jealousies) and rather un-romantic. I think that if they had realised it earlier, they were still too busy to do anything and besides, they suffered from enough of their own physical and mental trauma that they couldn't do anything about it anyway, so the sexual tension would have been more real and realised for me.
I do have to mention that I love a good stand-alone, when the world is absolutely going to shit and the characters are at the end of their desperate tether, and the whole thing feels like an Armageddon (normally the kind of thing reserved for later books in a series). I loved the build up to the climax in this book, both the physical actions taken that made me feel like I was there as the storm raged and the ground shook, and Meg and Cal's own internal realisations and the hints left behind afterwards.
Overall this book was pretty special, filled with imaginative and lush worldbuilding and setting descriptions, interesting and varied characters with individual motivations that you can really admire and even love a little, and it's definitely got a very special place in my heart.
I received this book in a YA Chronicles subscription box some months prior to the announcement of this blog tour, which I then eagerly signed up for. I hadn't been able to stop thinking about this book since I discovered it in my subscription box, and I was so excited to read about this story that seemed to draw on some things that I was already really into: Greek myths, Gothic atmospheres, isolated islands, animal bonds, a group of people referred to as 'Rangers'.
In the subscription box, Craw had written a note that revealed one of her favourite books isThe Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, and that she was inspired by the gothic atmosphere of that novel. I can completely see the similarities, or maybe inspirations, of that wonderful novel in Craw's lushly atmospheric, timeless, violent story about dangerous magical animals and the people who love and live with them.
Craw's novel is so lovingly filled with imaginative descriptions of the scenery it's like a love letter to the Gothic atmosphere: the ethereal herd of magical deer who occupy this mountainous, magical, isolated island; and the outdoorsy Rangers who monitor the slopes and protect the herd from the deadly and unpredictable Rift Hounds. I could clearly see the forest in my head - and maybe it's because I live in a cool temperate, or oceanic, climate with amazing rainforests and mountains, that I could so clearly envision the eerie, beautiful forest setting. It's the same climate as New Zealand (where Craw is from) and the Pacific North West (where I think the book may be set), so together I think I might be the perfect audience for this book's setting.
I loved less the 'romance' aspect. I found that because Meg and Cal didn't realise their feelings were mutual, that resulted in the infatuations seeming a bit childish (stemming from their shared childhood and trauma and compounded by intense jealousies) and rather un-romantic. I think that if they had realised it earlier, they were still too busy to do anything and besides, they suffered from enough of their own physical and mental trauma that they couldn't do anything about it anyway, so the sexual tension would have been more real and realised for me.
I do have to mention that I love a good stand-alone, when the world is absolutely going to shit and the characters are at the end of their desperate tether, and the whole thing feels like an Armageddon (normally the kind of thing reserved for later books in a series). I loved the build up to the climax in this book, both the physical actions taken that made me feel like I was there as the storm raged and the ground shook, and Meg and Cal's own internal realisations and the hints left behind afterwards.
Overall this book was pretty special, filled with imaginative and lush worldbuilding and setting descriptions, interesting and varied characters with individual motivations that you can really admire and even love a little, and it's definitely got a very special place in my heart.
August 26, 2019
I am the only one who was very confused by the world building ?
May 30, 2018
I have many thoughts on this book. In some ways it's classic Craw but in other way it will surprise you . Will re-read closer to publication since this book is not out until November.
November 14, 2018
This is Rachael Craw like you’ve never seen before. Her writing has always been stellar, and there are moments that are so Rachael in their cringing hilarity eg parental over sharing, however there’s a real level-up in the ambition and maturity of The Rift.
While I was reading, I kept thinking two things:
1. The setting of Black Water is so vivid.
2. This is so Stiefvater.
I absolutely loved the Spark trilogy (I promise I’m not going to have a rant comparing Spark and The Rift), but the setting was a blank background in my mind. In The Rift, Black Water is another character. It’s alive— pretty literally. And it was so very inspired by the natural beauty of New Zealand with hot springs and dramatic landscapes. Love.
When I say The Rift is so Stiefvater, it’s basically the highest compliment I can offer to this sort of story. It was vivid and rich and beyond belief but still you go with it. Still the author draws you into the world of mystical energy and happenings and you eat it up. The Rift is for lovers of The Scorpio Races and The Raven Cycle.
Masterful.
While I was reading, I kept thinking two things:
1. The setting of Black Water is so vivid.
2. This is so Stiefvater.
I absolutely loved the Spark trilogy (I promise I’m not going to have a rant comparing Spark and The Rift), but the setting was a blank background in my mind. In The Rift, Black Water is another character. It’s alive— pretty literally. And it was so very inspired by the natural beauty of New Zealand with hot springs and dramatic landscapes. Love.
When I say The Rift is so Stiefvater, it’s basically the highest compliment I can offer to this sort of story. It was vivid and rich and beyond belief but still you go with it. Still the author draws you into the world of mystical energy and happenings and you eat it up. The Rift is for lovers of The Scorpio Races and The Raven Cycle.
Masterful.
June 27, 2018
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
Coherent review later maybe.
Coherent review later maybe.
December 12, 2018
OK, so I started this like two weeks ago and I couldn't get into it AT ALL. I read twenty pages and put it aside and read other things. Finally, I gritted my teeth and sat down and forced myself to keep reading- and at some point it was no longer forced. I really started that magical forget you're reading and just fall into the story mode. I've only recently moved and set up my book room properly, so in my chair with my slightly ironic deer blanket, I was completely comfortable and this made this book even better.
Firstly it's one of those odd books that you aren't completely sure aren't set in our world- but they have magical qualities. Magic realism? But it was much better for me than it normally is, it's not usually a genre I enjoy. However I felt like this was really well done, and everything was explained beautifully. I honestly wasn't a fan of the romance set up to begin with, and I even came around to that by the end.
So basically, give this a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Firstly it's one of those odd books that you aren't completely sure aren't set in our world- but they have magical qualities. Magic realism? But it was much better for me than it normally is, it's not usually a genre I enjoy. However I felt like this was really well done, and everything was explained beautifully. I honestly wasn't a fan of the romance set up to begin with, and I even came around to that by the end.
So basically, give this a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised!
March 9, 2019
I devoured this book! The Rift is an addictive, wonderful, warm, beautiful book. If it weren’t for animals & bugs & wilderness & dirt & how much I love wifi I too would want to live on Black Water Island 😂
Craw describes the island in such a way that’s equal parts beautiful & scary with vicious feral dogs that rip people apart, majestic deer, & this community that bands together to preserve & protect their natural surroundings.
The main characters Meg & Cal were wonderful. I loved that their alternating perspectives blended into one another so seamlessly. Meg with her tough but hopeful attitude, just wanting to belong in the world she had to leave years before & Cal as described by Meg as Sasquatch, big & hulking but also shy, reserved, a little timid & very charming were such a complimentary pair. Theirs was a delicate love story in the mix of a wild, whimsical adventure that satisfied my romance genre loving ass but didn’t take away from the real fantastical theme.
The other characters, Cora (Meg’s mum) & their friends Rilke, Joss, Bren, & Antonia were all such important, fun, & at times snippy side characters that I enjoyed getting to know almost as much as Meg & Cal. My favourite of course being Reeva, Cal’s bird who was fierce, direct, & adorable throughout the book. She was a charming sidekick & the relationship that Cal shares with her was so adorable, it made my heart warm 🥰
If you love fantasy, adventure stories with strong characters, books focused on family/friend relationships with a whole bunch of animals, humorous bits, & a lil mystery check out The Rift. 4.5⭐️
Craw describes the island in such a way that’s equal parts beautiful & scary with vicious feral dogs that rip people apart, majestic deer, & this community that bands together to preserve & protect their natural surroundings.
The main characters Meg & Cal were wonderful. I loved that their alternating perspectives blended into one another so seamlessly. Meg with her tough but hopeful attitude, just wanting to belong in the world she had to leave years before & Cal as described by Meg as Sasquatch, big & hulking but also shy, reserved, a little timid & very charming were such a complimentary pair. Theirs was a delicate love story in the mix of a wild, whimsical adventure that satisfied my romance genre loving ass but didn’t take away from the real fantastical theme.
The other characters, Cora (Meg’s mum) & their friends Rilke, Joss, Bren, & Antonia were all such important, fun, & at times snippy side characters that I enjoyed getting to know almost as much as Meg & Cal. My favourite of course being Reeva, Cal’s bird who was fierce, direct, & adorable throughout the book. She was a charming sidekick & the relationship that Cal shares with her was so adorable, it made my heart warm 🥰
If you love fantasy, adventure stories with strong characters, books focused on family/friend relationships with a whole bunch of animals, humorous bits, & a lil mystery check out The Rift. 4.5⭐️
August 24, 2019
No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get into this one.
Normally I start my reviews with a brief summary of the book but I genuinely have no idea what was going on and to attempt to write about what I thought it was would be a nightmare.
It almost had this kind of ‘Stranger Things’ element to it (I think?) with the rift itself holding these dog like creatures inside that had the power to give psychic like gifts to those who survive a bite and then there’s a magic deer who is in charge of everything and I probably read the same few pages over and over again and I don’t know how any of this ties together.
I guess when it began I thought we’d have this kind of hunt where those living outside the island believed they were in for the best game of their lives only to run into something beyond this reality and the horrors that follow with Meg, the daughter of the head ranger returning to get her inheritance, would fall witness too as she’s dragged back into her element but instead we get the weird mythology as discussed above and this whole pharmaceutical conspiracy deal that never really made sense.
If I didn’t get this book to review I would have abandoned it well within the first quarter.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Normally I start my reviews with a brief summary of the book but I genuinely have no idea what was going on and to attempt to write about what I thought it was would be a nightmare.
It almost had this kind of ‘Stranger Things’ element to it (I think?) with the rift itself holding these dog like creatures inside that had the power to give psychic like gifts to those who survive a bite and then there’s a magic deer who is in charge of everything and I probably read the same few pages over and over again and I don’t know how any of this ties together.
I guess when it began I thought we’d have this kind of hunt where those living outside the island believed they were in for the best game of their lives only to run into something beyond this reality and the horrors that follow with Meg, the daughter of the head ranger returning to get her inheritance, would fall witness too as she’s dragged back into her element but instead we get the weird mythology as discussed above and this whole pharmaceutical conspiracy deal that never really made sense.
If I didn’t get this book to review I would have abandoned it well within the first quarter.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review**
July 21, 2018
Strong world-building, worthy pair of heroes and potential lovers, and a fast-paced narrative.
Will there be more?
Will there be more?
December 17, 2018
Invisible hellhounds, mythical deer, ley lines, a secret society of rangers, an evil corporation and reunited childhood friends. This combination makes for an unputdownable (it's a word!) read.
September 1, 2019
An imaginative story that held my attention the whole time. Loved this and will be recommending it to my students.
January 3, 2019
This is my first ever Rachael Craw book and damnnnn it was good. I had heard amazing things about Craw’s work and have a few of her books on my TBR waiting to be read. However I was a bit hesitant as everyone compares Craw to Stiefvater. Stiefvater, in my opinion, a good writer but damn does she take forever to get to the point and her females characters suck at existing, like soul sucking suck. So I was a bit hesitant in picking The Rift up but overall I am glad that I did.
There were some major things that brought the rating down for me and I thought it could have been delivered better. The main killer for me was the lack of explanation at the start. It was almost as though the readers were expected to understand what the hell was going on straight away, with little or no details. I had to keep reading and wonder what the fuck was going on for a while before the science of it all was explained to me. It would have been better if it was touched on a bit more throughout the book rather than ‘oh by the way make sense of this’ right near the end of the book. I know that it was the author’s intent but I feel as though that it didn’t work.
Basically there is an island that has a rift in reality which causes the deer that live there to be slightly different. A pharmaceutical company has discovered that the antlers of the deer can make powerful medicines while the rangers on the island protect the deer within reason and yet align themselves with the pharmaceutical company.
What I loved about The Rift was the unique story line, a mean a rift on a small island isn’t something that you read every day. Actually this is nothing like anything I have ever read before.
The characters were tense yet engaging, the type of characters that you draw you further and further into the book. So basically yes, I’m attached to these characters. They were too realistic not too! Meg and Cal both had different opinions on other people and weren’t silent about it. Which is better than your typical YA story were everyone wants to get along and bake a cherry pie. Meg was determined, fierce and has a great relationship with her mum. Cal was sweet, kind and his pet Reeva was amazing!
Overall the concept was brilliant. The characters were brilliant. The writing was divine! I just need more of an explanation.
There were some major things that brought the rating down for me and I thought it could have been delivered better. The main killer for me was the lack of explanation at the start. It was almost as though the readers were expected to understand what the hell was going on straight away, with little or no details. I had to keep reading and wonder what the fuck was going on for a while before the science of it all was explained to me. It would have been better if it was touched on a bit more throughout the book rather than ‘oh by the way make sense of this’ right near the end of the book. I know that it was the author’s intent but I feel as though that it didn’t work.
Basically there is an island that has a rift in reality which causes the deer that live there to be slightly different. A pharmaceutical company has discovered that the antlers of the deer can make powerful medicines while the rangers on the island protect the deer within reason and yet align themselves with the pharmaceutical company.
What I loved about The Rift was the unique story line, a mean a rift on a small island isn’t something that you read every day. Actually this is nothing like anything I have ever read before.
The characters were tense yet engaging, the type of characters that you draw you further and further into the book. So basically yes, I’m attached to these characters. They were too realistic not too! Meg and Cal both had different opinions on other people and weren’t silent about it. Which is better than your typical YA story were everyone wants to get along and bake a cherry pie. Meg was determined, fierce and has a great relationship with her mum. Cal was sweet, kind and his pet Reeva was amazing!
Overall the concept was brilliant. The characters were brilliant. The writing was divine! I just need more of an explanation.
September 13, 2019
This is a beautifully-crafted, -imagined, and -written novel. On an island that is home to a dimensional rift, the deer have magic in their antlers, the land is full of surprises, and the threat of giant Rift Hounds looms. Culled yearly, the deer are cared for by rangers who are often gifted with special sight, healing, and hearing powers. When Meg, a young woman, returns home to the island after many years away, she arrives at the same time as those who hunt the deer for a pharmaceutical company. This year's cull, though, goes awry in multiple ways, leaving Meg and a group of apprentice rangers to help repair the island and save the herd. I absolutely loved the world-building here, the facts of magic without the trappings of sentimentality, and the story's quick pace. Anyone who has liked Garth Nix, Margaret Killjoy, and similar authors will also enjoy this fantastic book.
December 23, 2018
Tomorrow, when your teen rolls her eyes at receiving a Christmas book token from Aunt Alison (spare a thought for the poor woman, no one knows what to buy a teen), tell her to spend it on Rachael Craw's The Rift. She'll read it and discover books are still cool, and so is her mum. Win win! This book has everything - action, angst, romance (eventually), and the beautifully drawn world of Black Water Island (where ley lines and magnetism mess with electronics, so … no phones). She'll love the two main characters, both super-intense, flawed, confused; wildly attracted to each other but so many obstacles to overcome.
The Rift is the perfect collision of fantasy, sci-fi and YA, and there's a strong Classical vibe too. But it doesn't take itself too seriously - the frenetic pace and intensity of the storyline is relieved by laugh-out-loud moments, courtesy of Meg's acerbic wit. A brilliant book from this incredibly talented NZ writer.
The Rift is the perfect collision of fantasy, sci-fi and YA, and there's a strong Classical vibe too. But it doesn't take itself too seriously - the frenetic pace and intensity of the storyline is relieved by laugh-out-loud moments, courtesy of Meg's acerbic wit. A brilliant book from this incredibly talented NZ writer.
December 13, 2018
I bought this book this morning at my local bookshop and literally couldn’t put it down. I want to reread it as soon as I can—I feel like there was so much I missed—but it really ticked a whole bunch of boxes for me, from magic forested islands to the complexity of rituals against capitalism to two teens with hormones aiming truer than arrows. A+ book.
November 20, 2018
This was so original. The tension it created felt like a rubber band getting pulled tighter and tighter until SNAP! 8.5/10
January 6, 2019
The Rift is something... Out of this world!
January 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this. 4.5 stars. A cool critique of modern corporate interests, wrapped in a plot shaped by mythology and fantasy. There is danger, doubt and drama with a pair of protagonists struggling with physical and emotional scars and damage. Throw in some romance (nicely handled) and an unexpected twist or two, and this makes for a thrilling ride. My only quibble is the few plot threads left dangling at the end. Will there be more to come about Blackwater Island?
April 22, 2019
CW: animal death, hunting
I loved loved LOVED this world! It’s unlike a lot of fantasy and urban fantasy out there, a curious mix of dimensional rifts, an isolated foggy island, hellhounds, psychic abilities, bonded familiars, and a magical herd of deer. They’re all things that sound like they shouldn’t go together but they just do.
The writing is atmospheric, eerie, and unsettling. The island doesn’t feel quite right in a “they’re not telling us the whole story” way. There are things about Black Water Island that conflict with what we understand as right and normal, but every resident on this island just accepts it as right and normal. Pair this with geographical and technological isolation and it’s a recipe for a tense and creepy time.
One of the remarkable things about this story is it could be set anywhere. While the author hails from New Zealand (as do I), this island feels like it could be off the coast of New Zealand, Australia, or the Puget Sound. There are no colloquialisms or landmarks that attribute it to a certain region, which a) adds to the feeling of isolation and b) makes it accessible for readers around the world.
I enjoyed the characters and always love the “childhood friend returns all grown up” trope. While Meg was a bit unhelpful and a mess at times, I enjoyed her and Cal and their uneasy friendship/unresolved feelings. However, the real showstoppers here were the bonded familiars! There’s nothing more beautiful and simultaneously tragic than an animal guide that can speak to you, cares for you, but unfortunately won’t share the same lifespan as you. ;__;
I’ve flailed above about how much I loved the mythology and speculative elements of this world, but ultimately I needed it to be a liiiiiittle more fleshed out. It’s healthy to finish a specfic novel with a few questions, but I left with some major questions about the first ranger, lodestones, and the rift stone, which I felt indicated minor lacking in world-building. (And unfortunately it can be a problem with standalones)
But overall, this was an absolutely stunning dark gem of a book! It blends sci-fi and fantastical folklore elements in such an eerie and beautiful way, and it’s truly one of the most unique worlds that I’ve read in years. It’s dark, it’s unsettling, it’s eerie, it’s tense, and it’s a damn good time. I want more!
Representation: physical disfigurement/burns, black side characters, side character cancer survivor, threads of PTSD
I loved loved LOVED this world! It’s unlike a lot of fantasy and urban fantasy out there, a curious mix of dimensional rifts, an isolated foggy island, hellhounds, psychic abilities, bonded familiars, and a magical herd of deer. They’re all things that sound like they shouldn’t go together but they just do.
The writing is atmospheric, eerie, and unsettling. The island doesn’t feel quite right in a “they’re not telling us the whole story” way. There are things about Black Water Island that conflict with what we understand as right and normal, but every resident on this island just accepts it as right and normal. Pair this with geographical and technological isolation and it’s a recipe for a tense and creepy time.
One of the remarkable things about this story is it could be set anywhere. While the author hails from New Zealand (as do I), this island feels like it could be off the coast of New Zealand, Australia, or the Puget Sound. There are no colloquialisms or landmarks that attribute it to a certain region, which a) adds to the feeling of isolation and b) makes it accessible for readers around the world.
I enjoyed the characters and always love the “childhood friend returns all grown up” trope. While Meg was a bit unhelpful and a mess at times, I enjoyed her and Cal and their uneasy friendship/unresolved feelings. However, the real showstoppers here were the bonded familiars! There’s nothing more beautiful and simultaneously tragic than an animal guide that can speak to you, cares for you, but unfortunately won’t share the same lifespan as you. ;__;
I’ve flailed above about how much I loved the mythology and speculative elements of this world, but ultimately I needed it to be a liiiiiittle more fleshed out. It’s healthy to finish a specfic novel with a few questions, but I left with some major questions about the first ranger, lodestones, and the rift stone, which I felt indicated minor lacking in world-building. (And unfortunately it can be a problem with standalones)
But overall, this was an absolutely stunning dark gem of a book! It blends sci-fi and fantastical folklore elements in such an eerie and beautiful way, and it’s truly one of the most unique worlds that I’ve read in years. It’s dark, it’s unsettling, it’s eerie, it’s tense, and it’s a damn good time. I want more!
Representation: physical disfigurement/burns, black side characters, side character cancer survivor, threads of PTSD
August 8, 2019
The story itself is intriguing but the structure of it left me unable to connect with the characters. If the flashback scene, which is told as one continuous narrative that is far too long and happens far too late in the book, had been doled out piecemeal throughout the novel it would have changed things entirely. As it was, I could have cared less about these protagonists because I just didn't understand where they were coming from until it was too late for me to enjoy the tale. So frustrating.
Thank you to Candlewick Press who were kind enough to send me this ARC for review.
Thank you to Candlewick Press who were kind enough to send me this ARC for review.
July 25, 2019
Originally posted at my blog.
--
This has to be one of the most creative and unique books I've ever read - the author's pitch is 'mythology and dimensional rifts and mutant space dogs', and that's not even the tip of the iceberg! There's also a running theme of the importance of environmental conservation and it's amazing how naturally this nestles in alongside the paranormal aspects of the story. It's easy to see why 'The Rift' is a finalist in The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults!
Normally I would start off by discussing the protagonists, but I have to discuss the setting first because it is every bit as important as the humans we follow. Black Water Island is this magical place where nature co-exists in a fragile balance with the island residents, many of whom are of the Ranger bloodline, which means that they share a direct intimate connection to the land itself, feeling a magnetic pull that inextricably bonds them to Black Water. It gives them a sense of awareness and belonging, and is so powerful that they willingly guard the exotic native deer against attacks from common poachers as well as deranged paranormal beasts, sacrificing their lives if necessary. Being a Ranger is seen as an honor, despite the constant danger and short life-span, and no Ranger would ever consider giving up and moving to the mainland.
Meg's mother, on the other hand, saw that bizarre and hazardous lifestyle and wanted her daughter removed as far away as possible from it, so the two of them left when Meg was a child. She grew up rationalizing away the peculiar phenomena she'd seen as the product of an overactive imagination and forgot about the very real magic (and monsters) that thrived on the island. Her return nine years later stirs up a whole lot of drama and mixed emotions between Meg and her estranged father, her one-time best friend and the other residents who have to keep the supernatural shenanigans on the downlow with 'outsiders' around.
One of the strengths of this book lies in the complicated emotional dynamics that the author has set up - Meg wanted nothing more than to be a Ranger when she was a child and comes back home to find that Cal, who isn't even of the bloodline, has been adopted into their ranks. The father that she left behind who never reached out to her over nine years has apparently taken him under his wing, which rankles even more as she now views Cal as having unfairly taken her dream position AND her father. The fact that this is irrational and she knows it's unfair doesn't make it any easier to stop feeling that way (so relatable).
To add more conflict, she and Cal both harbor long-festering guilt and grief over a childhood escapade that resulted in the death of the Head Ranger and serious injuries to both children and Meg's father. Of course Meg and Cal both blame themselves for the outcome and think that the other must hold them responsible as well, so there is just a whole ton of angst going on! This means that their interactions are slow and cautious to start with, fraught with tension and misplaced hostility that they need to overcome, which is a very welcome dynamic instead of the insta-love that I enter every YA book dreading will rear its ugly head!
Meg and Cal together cause fireworks, but even better, the author has created some wonderful supporting characters to bounce off them. Meg and her mother Cora are the best mother/daughter duo I've read in a long time (maybe ever), their banter had me snickering and I totally recognized similar beats in my own interactions with my mother. Cal had Reeva, a raven he's mentally bonded with, and she completely stole my heart. Reeva isn't a talking bird (that would be just silly!), but her personality shines through loud and clear, and I loved how she sasses Cal, cozies up to him to get her pats and plays mischievous matchmaker, as well as how dedicated she is to his safety, coming to protect him when he's under attack and carrying messages back and forth to get help. Two other Ranger apprentices, Joss and Rilke, form a quartet with Cal and Meg later in the book which is great as I always enjoy intrepid teenagers going on a quest, and it kept things from being too serious and romance-y as Joss provides good-natured teasing and Rilke has a power struggle going on with Cal while siding with Meg to gang up on the boys.
It's impressive how the story is so grounded in reality despite the inclusion of telepathic animals and magical powers, and it comes down to people behaving in realistic ways to the phenomena they encounter. Unfortunately one of these very human responses is to attempt to profit from Black Water Island and monetize its assets, namely the deer antlers that contain a unique compound that has incredible healing properties. While the Rangers live in harmony with the island, an insidious corporation called Nutris Pharmaceuticals forces a treaty that allows them to cull the deer herd every four years, but when has a small percentage of profit ever been enough when there is more to be gained? Nutris is basically the Weyland-Yutani Corporation of 'The Rift', consistently prioritizing financial gain over basic decency and respect for human life. They certainly make for great villains!
While I loved the characters and the setting (and hating on the bad guys), I can't quite give this full marks because there were a few parts which were confusing and needed to be clarified better for the reader. I'm all for being thrown into a new world and figuring out the rules on the run, that can make the story all the more fun and engaging, but the big conflict towards the end became a blur with so much going on and not enough properly defined. I re-read the chapter trying to picture it in my head and couldn't quite understand what was happening at a few key moments, which lessened its impact. That was only a small negative for me because I was fully emotionally invested in the characters and could overlook it in favor of the juicy personal conflicts, but it may be more of an issue for other readers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great fantasy read without hesitation. The writing is top-notch, the characters will win your heart and the thrill of the adventure will have you breathlessly racing through this book!
--
Disclaimer: Physical copy provided by publisher free for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
--
This has to be one of the most creative and unique books I've ever read - the author's pitch is 'mythology and dimensional rifts and mutant space dogs', and that's not even the tip of the iceberg! There's also a running theme of the importance of environmental conservation and it's amazing how naturally this nestles in alongside the paranormal aspects of the story. It's easy to see why 'The Rift' is a finalist in The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults!
Normally I would start off by discussing the protagonists, but I have to discuss the setting first because it is every bit as important as the humans we follow. Black Water Island is this magical place where nature co-exists in a fragile balance with the island residents, many of whom are of the Ranger bloodline, which means that they share a direct intimate connection to the land itself, feeling a magnetic pull that inextricably bonds them to Black Water. It gives them a sense of awareness and belonging, and is so powerful that they willingly guard the exotic native deer against attacks from common poachers as well as deranged paranormal beasts, sacrificing their lives if necessary. Being a Ranger is seen as an honor, despite the constant danger and short life-span, and no Ranger would ever consider giving up and moving to the mainland.
Meg's mother, on the other hand, saw that bizarre and hazardous lifestyle and wanted her daughter removed as far away as possible from it, so the two of them left when Meg was a child. She grew up rationalizing away the peculiar phenomena she'd seen as the product of an overactive imagination and forgot about the very real magic (and monsters) that thrived on the island. Her return nine years later stirs up a whole lot of drama and mixed emotions between Meg and her estranged father, her one-time best friend and the other residents who have to keep the supernatural shenanigans on the downlow with 'outsiders' around.
One of the strengths of this book lies in the complicated emotional dynamics that the author has set up - Meg wanted nothing more than to be a Ranger when she was a child and comes back home to find that Cal, who isn't even of the bloodline, has been adopted into their ranks. The father that she left behind who never reached out to her over nine years has apparently taken him under his wing, which rankles even more as she now views Cal as having unfairly taken her dream position AND her father. The fact that this is irrational and she knows it's unfair doesn't make it any easier to stop feeling that way (so relatable).
To add more conflict, she and Cal both harbor long-festering guilt and grief over a childhood escapade that resulted in the death of the Head Ranger and serious injuries to both children and Meg's father. Of course Meg and Cal both blame themselves for the outcome and think that the other must hold them responsible as well, so there is just a whole ton of angst going on! This means that their interactions are slow and cautious to start with, fraught with tension and misplaced hostility that they need to overcome, which is a very welcome dynamic instead of the insta-love that I enter every YA book dreading will rear its ugly head!
Meg and Cal together cause fireworks, but even better, the author has created some wonderful supporting characters to bounce off them. Meg and her mother Cora are the best mother/daughter duo I've read in a long time (maybe ever), their banter had me snickering and I totally recognized similar beats in my own interactions with my mother. Cal had Reeva, a raven he's mentally bonded with, and she completely stole my heart. Reeva isn't a talking bird (that would be just silly!), but her personality shines through loud and clear, and I loved how she sasses Cal, cozies up to him to get her pats and plays mischievous matchmaker, as well as how dedicated she is to his safety, coming to protect him when he's under attack and carrying messages back and forth to get help. Two other Ranger apprentices, Joss and Rilke, form a quartet with Cal and Meg later in the book which is great as I always enjoy intrepid teenagers going on a quest, and it kept things from being too serious and romance-y as Joss provides good-natured teasing and Rilke has a power struggle going on with Cal while siding with Meg to gang up on the boys.
It's impressive how the story is so grounded in reality despite the inclusion of telepathic animals and magical powers, and it comes down to people behaving in realistic ways to the phenomena they encounter. Unfortunately one of these very human responses is to attempt to profit from Black Water Island and monetize its assets, namely the deer antlers that contain a unique compound that has incredible healing properties. While the Rangers live in harmony with the island, an insidious corporation called Nutris Pharmaceuticals forces a treaty that allows them to cull the deer herd every four years, but when has a small percentage of profit ever been enough when there is more to be gained? Nutris is basically the Weyland-Yutani Corporation of 'The Rift', consistently prioritizing financial gain over basic decency and respect for human life. They certainly make for great villains!
While I loved the characters and the setting (and hating on the bad guys), I can't quite give this full marks because there were a few parts which were confusing and needed to be clarified better for the reader. I'm all for being thrown into a new world and figuring out the rules on the run, that can make the story all the more fun and engaging, but the big conflict towards the end became a blur with so much going on and not enough properly defined. I re-read the chapter trying to picture it in my head and couldn't quite understand what was happening at a few key moments, which lessened its impact. That was only a small negative for me because I was fully emotionally invested in the characters and could overlook it in favor of the juicy personal conflicts, but it may be more of an issue for other readers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great fantasy read without hesitation. The writing is top-notch, the characters will win your heart and the thrill of the adventure will have you breathlessly racing through this book!
--
Disclaimer: Physical copy provided by publisher free for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 30, 2019
MY RATING: ★★★★
WARNINGS: Grusome scenes, prejudice, injuries
FROM: Walker Books Australia
WHAT I LIKED
-Cal, Meg, Bren, Rilke, Joss, Reeva, Fallon
-the ‘familiars’
-the deer
WHAT I WAS MEH ABOUT
-the pacing
-Cora & Seargent
-the ending
WARNINGS: Grusome scenes, prejudice, injuries
FROM: Walker Books Australia
WHAT I LIKED
-Cal, Meg, Bren, Rilke, Joss, Reeva, Fallon
-the ‘familiars’
-the deer
WHAT I WAS MEH ABOUT
-the pacing
-Cora & Seargent
-the ending
September 9, 2018
Masterful and brilliant! Beautiful world building, stunning writing, a cracking plot, perfectly paced and hot romantic tension. Craw has outdone herself.
January 23, 2019
This review was originally posted on my blog On A Crafty Adventure
After following Rachael on social media I became curious about her newest novel - The Rift. It seemed totally different to her previous offerings and I was intrigued. I have just finished the novel and I must say that I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, they are very well written and have found a place in my heart. I am sure I am not alone in having my fingers and toes crossed for a follow-up.
The Rift is a Young Adult fantasy novel set on Black Water Island. The island is laced with magical ley lines and is home to the Old Herd, deer who's horns have amazing healing powers and can communicate to the Rangers who protect them through telepathy. These Rangers live on the island and ensure that none of the ancient Old Herd are hurt by Rift Hounds, other-worldly demon dogs who can only be seen by those who have Rift Sight. These hounds appear when the moon is full and the Rift on the island opens.
Cal is an apprentice Ranger who has an unusual set of powers that came about from a Hound bite when he was young. Meg was injured at the same time as Cal but has lived on the Mainland until recently. As Meg returns, tensions arise from the Head Ranger's dealings with Nutris - a pharmaceutical company trying to capitalize on the powerful deer horn.
Meg has always wanted to be a Ranger but has no training, Cal is being pushed into something he doesn't want, and Meg and Cal have a connection that is more than electric. They must work through physical and psychological wounds to save the Head Ranger and the Old Herd as the Rift opens for its most dangerous time yet.
This novel dives straight into the intricacies of Black Water Island and the first third of the book feels like you are running to catch up with the story. The world is well constructed and conjures beautiful imagery of New Zealand-esque scenery - with thermal pools and a rugged, harsh landscape. The fantasy-side of the story takes a little to get your head around, but it doesn't make it any less mind-blowing. As I read the book, I was transported to the island and I could clearly see everything in my mind. It takes a great wordsmith to bring a world to life, and Rachael does this so well.
I loved the characters of Meg and Cal. They are both so intense and physically and mentally scarred which creates a broody mood that is eased by Meg's humor and quick wit. Meg is a great female lead who isn't afraid to get dirty and shows plenty of courage. There is a bit of PG romance that compliments the intense action plot well. The novel really ramps up on the tension-scale and has some great twists that surprised me. I did feel that one of the major plot lines was left unresolved, hence the request for a sequel.
I could go on and on but I won't. You will just have to find out yourself. The Rift gets a huge go-and-read-this-now tick from me!
After following Rachael on social media I became curious about her newest novel - The Rift. It seemed totally different to her previous offerings and I was intrigued. I have just finished the novel and I must say that I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, they are very well written and have found a place in my heart. I am sure I am not alone in having my fingers and toes crossed for a follow-up.
The Rift is a Young Adult fantasy novel set on Black Water Island. The island is laced with magical ley lines and is home to the Old Herd, deer who's horns have amazing healing powers and can communicate to the Rangers who protect them through telepathy. These Rangers live on the island and ensure that none of the ancient Old Herd are hurt by Rift Hounds, other-worldly demon dogs who can only be seen by those who have Rift Sight. These hounds appear when the moon is full and the Rift on the island opens.
Cal is an apprentice Ranger who has an unusual set of powers that came about from a Hound bite when he was young. Meg was injured at the same time as Cal but has lived on the Mainland until recently. As Meg returns, tensions arise from the Head Ranger's dealings with Nutris - a pharmaceutical company trying to capitalize on the powerful deer horn.
Meg has always wanted to be a Ranger but has no training, Cal is being pushed into something he doesn't want, and Meg and Cal have a connection that is more than electric. They must work through physical and psychological wounds to save the Head Ranger and the Old Herd as the Rift opens for its most dangerous time yet.
This novel dives straight into the intricacies of Black Water Island and the first third of the book feels like you are running to catch up with the story. The world is well constructed and conjures beautiful imagery of New Zealand-esque scenery - with thermal pools and a rugged, harsh landscape. The fantasy-side of the story takes a little to get your head around, but it doesn't make it any less mind-blowing. As I read the book, I was transported to the island and I could clearly see everything in my mind. It takes a great wordsmith to bring a world to life, and Rachael does this so well.
I loved the characters of Meg and Cal. They are both so intense and physically and mentally scarred which creates a broody mood that is eased by Meg's humor and quick wit. Meg is a great female lead who isn't afraid to get dirty and shows plenty of courage. There is a bit of PG romance that compliments the intense action plot well. The novel really ramps up on the tension-scale and has some great twists that surprised me. I did feel that one of the major plot lines was left unresolved, hence the request for a sequel.
I could go on and on but I won't. You will just have to find out yourself. The Rift gets a huge go-and-read-this-now tick from me!
April 18, 2019
This review and others bookish fun can be found on my website: www.readingsumpton.com
I need more! This book was incredible and I need more!
I honestly wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did! I don't really know what I was excepting, but this book took me back to the feeling of reading The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater for the first time and it was amazing! I knew it was going to be one of my new favourite books when I got about 3/4 of the way through and was frantically googling if there was a sequel in the works! Please, please, please let there be a sequel in the works!
The Rift by Rachael Craw is told from two different points of view. That of Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with rare abilities living on Blackwater Island and responsible for the safety of an ancient herd of deer, coveted for their antlers magical healing properties. And Meg Archer, the daughter of the Master Ranger swept away to the mainland by her mother to live a "normal life" after a terrible childhood accident. Upon Megs return to the island the pair must navigate their way through their growing attraction for one another all while facing their greatest fears to save the island and the Old Herd from disaster.
This book took the term "magical realism" and ran like hell with it! It felt incredibly magical and rich. The world building was so atmospheric and engaging, I could have looked up from my book and been on Black Water Island, surrounded by thrumming lay lines, hell hounds and ancient mythical deer, and I wouldn't have been surprised. The pacing of the plot was brilliant, I was never once bored with the story and ended up burning through this book in a matter of hours.
The characters were really likeable and despite possessing rare, magical abilities, they still felt completely authentic and real. The slow burn romance was perfection and the interactions between Cal, Meg and other minor characters was really fun and enjoyable.
Overall, The Rift was incredibly whimsical and original. It felt a little murky and confusing to start with, but the more I read, the more clear everything became, and I was able to understand the dynamics of the world and how the characters fit into it. Despite this, I couldn't bring myself to deduct any stars from this review. I really, truly, LOVED this book and I will definitely be reading any future sequels. Now, excuse me while I go to the store and purchase every other book Rachael Craw has ever written.
I need more! This book was incredible and I need more!
I honestly wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did! I don't really know what I was excepting, but this book took me back to the feeling of reading The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater for the first time and it was amazing! I knew it was going to be one of my new favourite books when I got about 3/4 of the way through and was frantically googling if there was a sequel in the works! Please, please, please let there be a sequel in the works!
The Rift by Rachael Craw is told from two different points of view. That of Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with rare abilities living on Blackwater Island and responsible for the safety of an ancient herd of deer, coveted for their antlers magical healing properties. And Meg Archer, the daughter of the Master Ranger swept away to the mainland by her mother to live a "normal life" after a terrible childhood accident. Upon Megs return to the island the pair must navigate their way through their growing attraction for one another all while facing their greatest fears to save the island and the Old Herd from disaster.
This book took the term "magical realism" and ran like hell with it! It felt incredibly magical and rich. The world building was so atmospheric and engaging, I could have looked up from my book and been on Black Water Island, surrounded by thrumming lay lines, hell hounds and ancient mythical deer, and I wouldn't have been surprised. The pacing of the plot was brilliant, I was never once bored with the story and ended up burning through this book in a matter of hours.
The characters were really likeable and despite possessing rare, magical abilities, they still felt completely authentic and real. The slow burn romance was perfection and the interactions between Cal, Meg and other minor characters was really fun and enjoyable.
Overall, The Rift was incredibly whimsical and original. It felt a little murky and confusing to start with, but the more I read, the more clear everything became, and I was able to understand the dynamics of the world and how the characters fit into it. Despite this, I couldn't bring myself to deduct any stars from this review. I really, truly, LOVED this book and I will definitely be reading any future sequels. Now, excuse me while I go to the store and purchase every other book Rachael Craw has ever written.
July 31, 2021
Okay, listen up because this needs to be said loudly and clearly: This book is
absolutely nothing like any one of Maggie Stiefvater’s books
. Or, like, her thoughts. Or her thoughts that she has yet to think. The literal only thing that this book has in common with anything Stiefvater has written is the idea of ley lines, which isn’t even unique to Stiefvater. That’s it. Oh wait—both this book and TRC have ravens in them. The end.
So, separating this actual novel from any false promises about premise, writing (ability or style), or theme, where does The Rift land? Probably like 2.5 stars. The story is… fine, if a little weird. But the plot suffers so much from the “this entire thing could be solved in 20 minutes if people just talked to each other” syndrome that so many YA novels suffer from. Instead of having Cal and Meg dance around each other and their history for 300 pages, why not just give them an opportunity to talk? Getting everything out in the open early in the story would have given them a deeper relationship and would have made their connection more believable. Instead they go through a traumatic experience together as children, go through another traumatic experience as adults, and suddenly they’re ~soul mates~ who like to kiss in the dirt while people are dying around them and weird portals are closing in the sky.
As for Black Water… man, I either totally missed the world-building here or it actually was kind of nonexistent. I appreciate letting the reader discover bits about the world along the way instead of experiencing it through info-dumps, but that only works if it makes sense in the end. Which it does not here.
So, 2.5 stars for ambition, but not much else. Oh, and deer are cool, so I liked the parts where there were deer. (But not the zombie deer.)
ETA I forgot that TRC also has zombie deer so there’s another Stiefvater connection for you, I guess.
So, separating this actual novel from any false promises about premise, writing (ability or style), or theme, where does The Rift land? Probably like 2.5 stars. The story is… fine, if a little weird. But the plot suffers so much from the “this entire thing could be solved in 20 minutes if people just talked to each other” syndrome that so many YA novels suffer from. Instead of having Cal and Meg dance around each other and their history for 300 pages, why not just give them an opportunity to talk? Getting everything out in the open early in the story would have given them a deeper relationship and would have made their connection more believable. Instead they go through a traumatic experience together as children, go through another traumatic experience as adults, and suddenly they’re ~soul mates~ who like to kiss in the dirt while people are dying around them and weird portals are closing in the sky.
As for Black Water… man, I either totally missed the world-building here or it actually was kind of nonexistent. I appreciate letting the reader discover bits about the world along the way instead of experiencing it through info-dumps, but that only works if it makes sense in the end. Which it does not here.
So, 2.5 stars for ambition, but not much else. Oh, and deer are cool, so I liked the parts where there were deer. (But not the zombie deer.)
ETA I forgot that TRC also has zombie deer so there’s another Stiefvater connection for you, I guess.
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