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Rangers of the Rift #0.1
Dying Ember, Olden Ash
A secret guild protects the living. Will a young guardian break the rules to save doomed souls?
Seventeen-year-old Emily Mars would give up purgatory patrol in a heartbeat if it meant digging up some normalcy. So when a moment of compassion gets her banned from service, she takes the time off to focus on securing a cross-country scholarship. But just two days before the championship race, the sidelined spiritual warrior is approached by a ghost desperate to find his missing sister.
Defying orders, Emily sets out to assist the dead teen before he morphs into a ravenous killer. But with her dreamy running partner and fellow Ranger refusing to help, her solo journey could destroy her future…and her life.
Will Emily’s courage and skill keep evil at bay, or will her impetuous rebellion bear deadly consequences?
Dying Ember, Olden Ash is the first episode in the binge-worthy Rangers of the Rift YA urban fantasy series, perfect for readers who like action-packed suspense, supernatural mysteries, a scoop of horror, and a blush of romance.
⚠ Content warning: Horror elements, atheism, language
Seventeen-year-old Emily Mars would give up purgatory patrol in a heartbeat if it meant digging up some normalcy. So when a moment of compassion gets her banned from service, she takes the time off to focus on securing a cross-country scholarship. But just two days before the championship race, the sidelined spiritual warrior is approached by a ghost desperate to find his missing sister.
Defying orders, Emily sets out to assist the dead teen before he morphs into a ravenous killer. But with her dreamy running partner and fellow Ranger refusing to help, her solo journey could destroy her future…and her life.
Will Emily’s courage and skill keep evil at bay, or will her impetuous rebellion bear deadly consequences?
Dying Ember, Olden Ash is the first episode in the binge-worthy Rangers of the Rift YA urban fantasy series, perfect for readers who like action-packed suspense, supernatural mysteries, a scoop of horror, and a blush of romance.
⚠ Content warning: Horror elements, atheism, language
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2020
47 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
River K. Scott
8 books21 followersRiver K. Scott writes heroic fantasy, urban fantasy, and science fiction that inspires hope and renewed determination in womxn and men to truly believe they can choose their own lives and make a difference in their community.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riverkscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverkscott...
A binge-worthy long-arc storyteller, River K. Scott takes readers across the megacosms of sci-fi and the imagined lands of YA urban fantasy, usually with a blush of romance. She is the author of the YA urban fantasy series Rangers of the Rift. Her favorite stories are sweeping epics featuring try-hard heroes. When not writing, she's rock climbing. Other favs include curling up with a scotch and thrilling new series or venturing out on a trail under a dusky sky. Originally from Central Florida, she now lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riverkscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverkscott...
A binge-worthy long-arc storyteller, River K. Scott takes readers across the megacosms of sci-fi and the imagined lands of YA urban fantasy, usually with a blush of romance. She is the author of the YA urban fantasy series Rangers of the Rift. Her favorite stories are sweeping epics featuring try-hard heroes. When not writing, she's rock climbing. Other favs include curling up with a scotch and thrilling new series or venturing out on a trail under a dusky sky. Originally from Central Florida, she now lives in Tucson, Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more. The story is fast paced, the characters are likeable, and the Ranger ability to shift between the physical world and the spiritual world is cool. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2020
There is solid writing in this season 1, episode 1 novella and it has an intriguing concept, that Purgatory exists, in the Rangers of the Rift. We are introduced to the Limen and the Rangers such as the main character patrol their respective territory to guide the newly dead safely onwards. Holy water is important as a weapon, also coffee grounds though this is not so clear.
The main character, Emily Mars, "Skittles" to her buddy Tad, is only a junior in high school but she's a Ranger while Tad has Sight. She sees through his eyes when they are linked. "I See the Waif as he truly is: a star at the edge of collapse. Despair changing a human soul to a compact, deadened force of raw, negative emotion." But "Tad looks deeper, Sees deeper, to the tiny dollop of golden life energy ..."
So the reader feels a little confused about the signals, how seeing through Tad could be less than his Sight. As for how Emily becomes a Ranger and the circumstances through which she and Tad have become a number, we are invited to sign up for the author's mailing list to read the prequel. This has the makings, perhaps of a TV series.
The scene shifts to a dark forest, perhaps a graveyard - wait, are Rangers dead? It is not clear. And I wish it to be clearer. I wish also for the characters to fill out a bit and for the story arc to be more self-contained in this volume, not in a sequel or prequel. Sorry to be picky.
The main character, Emily Mars, "Skittles" to her buddy Tad, is only a junior in high school but she's a Ranger while Tad has Sight. She sees through his eyes when they are linked. "I See the Waif as he truly is: a star at the edge of collapse. Despair changing a human soul to a compact, deadened force of raw, negative emotion." But "Tad looks deeper, Sees deeper, to the tiny dollop of golden life energy ..."
So the reader feels a little confused about the signals, how seeing through Tad could be less than his Sight. As for how Emily becomes a Ranger and the circumstances through which she and Tad have become a number, we are invited to sign up for the author's mailing list to read the prequel. This has the makings, perhaps of a TV series.
The scene shifts to a dark forest, perhaps a graveyard - wait, are Rangers dead? It is not clear. And I wish it to be clearer. I wish also for the characters to fill out a bit and for the story arc to be more self-contained in this volume, not in a sequel or prequel. Sorry to be picky.
January 27, 2020
First off, let me say that I am definitely excited to dig into the next episode. These books have been on my radar for a while and they kept getting moved down my TBR list. However, I've decided to be an ARC reviewer for Episode 3, so I wanted to binge read these books for that. And I can say that I am so glad I decided to FINALLY pick this one up. This book ticked so many of my boxes and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds.
This first episode holds an air of mystery. There are a lot of things that haven't yet been revealed even by the end of the book - such as a lot of the inner workings of being a Ranger and exactly how one ends up with Ranger abilities. It also seems that certain Rangers get certain abilities and not all of that is explained in this book. I am fervently hoping these things are further explained in the next episodes. However, these things don't completely detract from the experience of the book. It's a great story even with that little bit of confusion. Think of it as a first episode of a new tv show. There's always going to be things that will unfold later on.
The characters and the pace of the story were fantastic. This is a very quick, short read; and there's so much jam packed into it. There's a great fight scene, a relationship full of angst, a well-woven mystery, and characters that feel so real. I really couldn't ask for more in a story. The only thing that irked me (and this really is so small) is that they refer to their parents as "'rents." I've never heard anyone do this and it doesn't feel natural to me personally. But it's easy to look over.
I can't wait to dig into episode 2 - I've already got it downloaded. If you're a fan of V.E. Schwab's The Archived or shows like Supernatural, I'd highly recommend this read.
This first episode holds an air of mystery. There are a lot of things that haven't yet been revealed even by the end of the book - such as a lot of the inner workings of being a Ranger and exactly how one ends up with Ranger abilities. It also seems that certain Rangers get certain abilities and not all of that is explained in this book. I am fervently hoping these things are further explained in the next episodes. However, these things don't completely detract from the experience of the book. It's a great story even with that little bit of confusion. Think of it as a first episode of a new tv show. There's always going to be things that will unfold later on.
The characters and the pace of the story were fantastic. This is a very quick, short read; and there's so much jam packed into it. There's a great fight scene, a relationship full of angst, a well-woven mystery, and characters that feel so real. I really couldn't ask for more in a story. The only thing that irked me (and this really is so small) is that they refer to their parents as "'rents." I've never heard anyone do this and it doesn't feel natural to me personally. But it's easy to look over.
I can't wait to dig into episode 2 - I've already got it downloaded. If you're a fan of V.E. Schwab's The Archived or shows like Supernatural, I'd highly recommend this read.
January 22, 2020
I'm not a big fan of fantasy; however, I read this book because the author and her family is important to me and I want to support her. Funny thing, I REALLY enjoyed this book! OK, fantasy it is, but it is so much more. The connection between the characters and the thought-provoking story-line itself makes you feel like you are there. I couldn't help but picture myself in the very locations that Emily and Tad were in. As I started the read, I thought to myself, "How am I going to finish this?" and the I was done. The End came suddenly. Now I can't wait to move on to Salt and Silver.
Thank you, River K. Scott, for sharing your longtime love of Emily Mars with us.
Thank you, River K. Scott, for sharing your longtime love of Emily Mars with us.
January 27, 2020
I love discovering new storytellers, and boy can River K. Scott tell a story!
This story, about Emily, a teenage "guardian of purgatory"—a Ranger, is woven with a compelling prose, riveting depictions of landscapes and locations and a gripping, heart-breaking story of souls on the loose. I was pulled into the story, floating alongside Emily and Tad and felt part of the action as it unfolded. Great stuff!
As a complete newbie in the genre, there were some terms and concepts I didn't know of, but the funny thing was that every time I felt I had waited long enough—and wanted to google something—the concept was explained in the book.
Jumping straight to episode two!
This story, about Emily, a teenage "guardian of purgatory"—a Ranger, is woven with a compelling prose, riveting depictions of landscapes and locations and a gripping, heart-breaking story of souls on the loose. I was pulled into the story, floating alongside Emily and Tad and felt part of the action as it unfolded. Great stuff!
As a complete newbie in the genre, there were some terms and concepts I didn't know of, but the funny thing was that every time I felt I had waited long enough—and wanted to google something—the concept was explained in the book.
Jumping straight to episode two!
January 21, 2020
I love the world building, character emotions and twists and turns in River Scott’s fresh spin on an exciting new Paranormal world. I’ve quickly become a fan of the Rangers and can’t wait to see what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2020
Definitely different than what I have read before and looking forward to reading more like it. Love the pace of the storyline and how it kept me intrigued.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2020
Strong characters I really like, having adventures in a cool and well-drawn world. I read this all in one sitting, and I want more. I need the next episode NOW!
June 2, 2020
This series runs in episodes, and each episode is a novella length story. And it starts off pretty well with episode 1. Rangers are the guardians of the lost souls – they either send the lost souls or Waifs on to their new existence, or the souls will turn evil, into Vagari, who will destroy anything in its path. In this story, we meet Emily and Tad – Emily is a Ranger (in training) and Tad is her Sight, a gift that enables one to be able to see ghosts and into the Limen (the in between dimension, between the old life and new), Emily can only see the ghosts well when she enters the dimension with her soul.
The first of this series is setting things up nicely, with the story of a ghost who is close to crossing to the evil side, and Emily going to try to find this Waif’s dead sister so she can send them on. But both the brother and sister are too close to turning. There is some good action and I even started getting a handle on the characters, even in the short amount of space. Good start.
Reviewed by Cyrene
The first of this series is setting things up nicely, with the story of a ghost who is close to crossing to the evil side, and Emily going to try to find this Waif’s dead sister so she can send them on. But both the brother and sister are too close to turning. There is some good action and I even started getting a handle on the characters, even in the short amount of space. Good start.
Reviewed by Cyrene
April 20, 2022
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this story. The author did a fabulous job of “setting the stage” as it is a paranormal storyline. The story moves quite quickly and there is a lot of action packed into this novella.
We are introduced to Emily Mars, a Ranger, whose job is to ‘shepherd souls to the beyond’. Her sidekick/crush Tad is her ‘Sight’, and Garrett is her teacher. The story of how Emily came to be a ranger is not part of this book - the author offers that novella as a freebie on signing up for her newsletter - which I happily did.
The bad guys are the Vagari (lost souls that have turned evil), and we have a helpful cop in Detective Langley.
All in all, its a fun read and keeps you turning the pages and wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. My review is entirely my own opinion and voluntary.
We are introduced to Emily Mars, a Ranger, whose job is to ‘shepherd souls to the beyond’. Her sidekick/crush Tad is her ‘Sight’, and Garrett is her teacher. The story of how Emily came to be a ranger is not part of this book - the author offers that novella as a freebie on signing up for her newsletter - which I happily did.
The bad guys are the Vagari (lost souls that have turned evil), and we have a helpful cop in Detective Langley.
All in all, its a fun read and keeps you turning the pages and wanting more.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. My review is entirely my own opinion and voluntary.
August 8, 2022
OMG it was the most chilling thing I've read in a while. This is not a YA novel. Even though its pitch under that heading. In fact as I spoke to River, she admits herself that the only reason its stuck in the YA category is because the main protagonists are 17 year olds. But she has warnings all over the books due to their dark content. Truthfully it's very easy to forget they're YA. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer just before she hit College and Angel left for LA. River mentioned to me that the stories get darker and more chilling as the series progresses. So we've been forewarned. If you like the chills and gore and dark fantasy get in there. I was really blown away by her description of the spirit world. Looking forward to reading more. If the characters were older I'd say very Laurell K. Hamilton.
June 22, 2020
Dying Ember, Olden Ash, is a short story that gets right to the action. Teen-aged Emily, who helps to shepherd dead souls, sets out to help a boy who died decades earlier. Her friend Tad is along for the ride, and they’re working on a strict time limit – the soul they’re trying to save will go bad (very bad) if they can’t help him quickly enough. This is a fun, quick ride, designed mostly to pull you into Emily and Tad’s world, and while the story has a definite ending, it’s obvious there’s more to be told. It’s currently permafree on Kindle, so you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a new author to try out.
December 19, 2021
I’m about halfway through this series and loving it so far!
Excellent writing that has me viscerally experiencing each moment of a fantastic story, rich exploration of a world that slips seamlessly in and out of this one, and frenetic supernatural action – what’s not to love!
The story revolves around Emily Mars, a high school senior, a distance runner, and a ranger – a kind of ferrywoman for the lost dead. Not an easy job but an important one. Turns out that things get ugly fast when the dead lose the will to hold it together!
An incredible read, pick this up ASAP!
Excellent writing that has me viscerally experiencing each moment of a fantastic story, rich exploration of a world that slips seamlessly in and out of this one, and frenetic supernatural action – what’s not to love!
The story revolves around Emily Mars, a high school senior, a distance runner, and a ranger – a kind of ferrywoman for the lost dead. Not an easy job but an important one. Turns out that things get ugly fast when the dead lose the will to hold it together!
An incredible read, pick this up ASAP!
November 24, 2024
What an intriguing concept! I liked the connection of Emily and Tad and loved the idea of the rangers and the sight. This is a neat little urban fantasy/paranormal mashup with purgatory and the spiritual world and a girl who just wants to run a 5k!
August 4, 2020
I wasn't sure I would like the story when I first started reading it. Then I was hooked. I would recommend this as a good short story.
February 24, 2022
Nice start to a series, leads well into a sequel to hash out the world
April 19, 2022
Interesting concept and quite fast paced. Quick read but I loved it. Looking forward to the next instalment to see how the characters and story progress.
April 19, 2022
This series is amazing and hooks you in from the start. River k Scott is an amazing story teller.
September 14, 2023
Dying ember
This a story about the myth of magically burns to change into monster for revenge on the living they try to stop this but not make it
This a story about the myth of magically burns to change into monster for revenge on the living they try to stop this but not make it
May 8, 2024
Great quick read! unique story!
May 24, 2020
I enjoyed this introduction to the series, and the world in which Emily and Tad live. They have a hard, but important, job to do, and I look forward to reading more about how it all works, and the beings they will come up against.
April 21, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. River Scott knows how to write to captivate an audience. If you love paranormal fantasy, this book is for you
June 11, 2020
Dying Ember, Olden Ash is a compelling read. Having not read the prequels, I wasn't sure if I would be able to follow the story but credit to the author there weren't mountains of exposition or background notes to work through in order to feel something about the world. We find out at different stages about the main characters' former trials and tribulations but these moments don't get in the way of the present story.
The story moves along nicely and doesn't drift away from the core action/plot. Emily and her friend Tad have a solid relationship which doesn't get caught up in itself but plays out over the course of the story. Emily's efforts to do the right thing and the consequences of following it through were neatly done. The action pieces were clear and understandable and easy to visualise.
On the whole, I felt the story worked though I was a little confused in parts. Generally, the story was fine but I had problems with one quite central character who appears towards the end of the story. Their motivations and actions which lead to everything we see occuring didn't make much sense to me and the story appeared to be rushing itself in explaining this character and what made them tick. I would have been happy for a little more time with this character and maybe something different in terms of motivation.
Overall, the story is quite satisfying, even if you didn't read the prequel. So, if you like the genre, I'd say give it a chance. And as a last word, don't read too much of the book description as it's better to experience the story without knowing many of the beats in advance.
The story moves along nicely and doesn't drift away from the core action/plot. Emily and her friend Tad have a solid relationship which doesn't get caught up in itself but plays out over the course of the story. Emily's efforts to do the right thing and the consequences of following it through were neatly done. The action pieces were clear and understandable and easy to visualise.
On the whole, I felt the story worked though I was a little confused in parts. Generally, the story was fine but I had problems with one quite central character who appears towards the end of the story. Their motivations and actions which lead to everything we see occuring didn't make much sense to me and the story appeared to be rushing itself in explaining this character and what made them tick. I would have been happy for a little more time with this character and maybe something different in terms of motivation.
Overall, the story is quite satisfying, even if you didn't read the prequel. So, if you like the genre, I'd say give it a chance. And as a last word, don't read too much of the book description as it's better to experience the story without knowing many of the beats in advance.
February 10, 2020
Fabulous book! I had to put everything aside to finish this one. The story line is great, the characters are very realistic and likable, and great action. There's even a bit of romance! Although this is a young adult book, and not quite my usual read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to future episodes.
May 6, 2020
A great introduction to a new series. Fast paced short story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Can't wait to see where Emily and Tad's journey takes them.
Merged review:
A great introduction to a new series. Fast paced short story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Can't wait to see where Emily and Tad's journey takes them.
Can't wait to see where Emily and Tad's journey takes them.
Merged review:
A great introduction to a new series. Fast paced short story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Can't wait to see where Emily and Tad's journey takes them.
June 26, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the next two and am giving my honest review. Very well written and the story progresses very nicely with good character development. It starts off confusing because of the different terminology for the lore, but the more you get into it the more you understand what the words mean. With each event happening I wanted to know more.
February 11, 2020
I read straight through (sure, it’s short) because this little gem demands it. It’s got ghosts and danger and angst and romance and family dynamics, all told with a hold-the-phone attitude. Great writing and engaging story.
November 16, 2023
Such a great short story! There are so many things I would like to know about all the characters... I need to read the next short story yesterday.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews