What do you think?
Rate this book
The Riftmagic Saga #3
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm
From the gutters of London, magic will rise...
After her narrow escape at the burning of Bedlam, Eliza Braxton's world has been turned upside down. The Illustratum's hold on the RIftborn is slipping, but so is Eliza's fragile hold on who she is. She is left facing a terrifying choice; continue her role as spy in the powerful Hallewell household, or join in open rebellion against the Illustratum. All her life, Eliza has been cautious, but now that her eyes are open, it is clear that the time has come to throw caution to the wind and embrace the power that has kept her repressed since childhood.
The Illustratum must fall.
The Riftborn must rise.
But at what cost?
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm is the thrilling third installment in the Riftmagic Saga by E.E. Holmes.
After her narrow escape at the burning of Bedlam, Eliza Braxton's world has been turned upside down. The Illustratum's hold on the RIftborn is slipping, but so is Eliza's fragile hold on who she is. She is left facing a terrifying choice; continue her role as spy in the powerful Hallewell household, or join in open rebellion against the Illustratum. All her life, Eliza has been cautious, but now that her eyes are open, it is clear that the time has come to throw caution to the wind and embrace the power that has kept her repressed since childhood.
The Illustratum must fall.
The Riftborn must rise.
But at what cost?
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm is the thrilling third installment in the Riftmagic Saga by E.E. Holmes.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2022
309 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Holmes
33 books1,038 followersE.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 24, 2022
At its heart a feminist work
Bit of a spoiler but hopefully in an encouraging way. It struck me as I finished this trilogy that I had just witnessed the overthrow of the rule of the fathers. It was not an overthrow of men in general as there were a number of men of goodwill in the narrative. No, it was only the fathers who from my view stood as the markers of an overtly punitive socioeconomic and political system, a capitalist patriarchal one. It is much like our own here in US where people are punished to the degree they veer from the normative way of being human that we have created in this country and elsewhere. You know the norm - the white Christian heterosexual man of privilege. And as in our country the general public is dosed with reinforcing propaganda/drink so they cannot or are afraid to access their own gifts or magic so to speak. Ah, it is a delightful story well told with a variety of characters who enrich and support it. Subtly and not so subtly subversive of the status quo. A story for our time. Read all three. You will enjoy them unless, you know, you are part of the existing power structure and then you might find yourself a little concerned.
Bit of a spoiler but hopefully in an encouraging way. It struck me as I finished this trilogy that I had just witnessed the overthrow of the rule of the fathers. It was not an overthrow of men in general as there were a number of men of goodwill in the narrative. No, it was only the fathers who from my view stood as the markers of an overtly punitive socioeconomic and political system, a capitalist patriarchal one. It is much like our own here in US where people are punished to the degree they veer from the normative way of being human that we have created in this country and elsewhere. You know the norm - the white Christian heterosexual man of privilege. And as in our country the general public is dosed with reinforcing propaganda/drink so they cannot or are afraid to access their own gifts or magic so to speak. Ah, it is a delightful story well told with a variety of characters who enrich and support it. Subtly and not so subtly subversive of the status quo. A story for our time. Read all three. You will enjoy them unless, you know, you are part of the existing power structure and then you might find yourself a little concerned.
March 17, 2024
Sometimes I’m bored with a series by book three but this Riftmagic series hit its stride in terms of mythology, and this last book was a great place to just dig in. I don’t find the storytelling sophisticated, but I appreciate the subversive nature of how the series points out how people can be oppressed in the name of God
March 7, 2025
In this series, I read the book before this one and I gave it 3 stars. This one was just 2. I was never in like I wanted to be. I liked the MC and I appreciated the creative elements in the story.
There were a couple things that held this back for me. One was the world building. The author had such a good thing going, I wish the details were expanded regarding that. Another thing was the reveal moments seemed a little cheesy. It was like a surprise party that you had to fake being surprised by. The last thing was it was just a little to neat and tidy for me. So, overall, I didn't love this, but I didn't hate it either. So 2 stars is all I have for this one.
There were a couple things that held this back for me. One was the world building. The author had such a good thing going, I wish the details were expanded regarding that. Another thing was the reveal moments seemed a little cheesy. It was like a surprise party that you had to fake being surprised by. The last thing was it was just a little to neat and tidy for me. So, overall, I didn't love this, but I didn't hate it either. So 2 stars is all I have for this one.
April 25, 2024
Absolutely brilliant read - couldn't put this down. Felt like it was a mash up of shadowhunters with a bit of the society intrigue of Bridgerton also with a healthy mix of magic. Thoroughly enjoyable series.
April 26, 2023
Such a great conclusion to this series!!
May 23, 2024
Loved this and all three of the Riftmagic Saga!!
July 26, 2022
jaw dropping
The perfect ending to a 3 book series. It has the suspense, the heart break, the loyalty, the betrayal, plus so much more. This is what a resistance is made up of, all because of Stubborn Elders. Who go against determined RiftMagic wielders. I think my favorite part is the outcome of both jessamine and Eliza’s mothers. In the end, so many twists and turns, it was an outstanding book. The writing was life consuming.
The perfect ending to a 3 book series. It has the suspense, the heart break, the loyalty, the betrayal, plus so much more. This is what a resistance is made up of, all because of Stubborn Elders. Who go against determined RiftMagic wielders. I think my favorite part is the outcome of both jessamine and Eliza’s mothers. In the end, so many twists and turns, it was an outstanding book. The writing was life consuming.
August 15, 2022
5 out of 5 enthusiastic stars!!!!
A fantastic finish to the Riftmagic Saga! E. E. Holmes has become one of the authors whose books automatically go on my TBR list. She is an excellent writer with a brilliant imagination. I adored her Gateway series, & the Riftmagic Saga has been just as much of a joy. The world she crafted climbed off of the pages, the characters so believable, & their lives in post-Rift England so realistic that if I didn't know better I could believe that this tale really happened. This entire book was building towards a very well crafted climax, & the action-packed ending left nothing to be desired. Loose ends were wrapped up & the antagonist got what was coming to him. The epilogue perfectly illustrated the HEA our favorite characters so rightly deserved. I can't wait to see what she has coming out next!!
A fantastic finish to the Riftmagic Saga! E. E. Holmes has become one of the authors whose books automatically go on my TBR list. She is an excellent writer with a brilliant imagination. I adored her Gateway series, & the Riftmagic Saga has been just as much of a joy. The world she crafted climbed off of the pages, the characters so believable, & their lives in post-Rift England so realistic that if I didn't know better I could believe that this tale really happened. This entire book was building towards a very well crafted climax, & the action-packed ending left nothing to be desired. Loose ends were wrapped up & the antagonist got what was coming to him. The epilogue perfectly illustrated the HEA our favorite characters so rightly deserved. I can't wait to see what she has coming out next!!
April 21, 2025
An absolute delight—with just the right amount of sass and scandal. The Girl at the Heart of the Storm is everything I want in a historical mystery when I’m not in the mood to overthink things. E.E. Holmes serves up another smart, twisty plot with just enough drama to keep things juicy—without veering into melodrama territory.
Our heroine is back, and honestly, she’s the kind of nosy, clever, society-defying woman I’d absolutely want on my side if things got messy. She sniffs out secrets like it’s her job (because it sort of is), and watching her poke at the polite nonsense of the upper crust is endlessly entertaining.
It’s a light, easy read that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly the point. So if you’re into mystery with brains and a little bite, pour yourself some tea and dive in.
Our heroine is back, and honestly, she’s the kind of nosy, clever, society-defying woman I’d absolutely want on my side if things got messy. She sniffs out secrets like it’s her job (because it sort of is), and watching her poke at the polite nonsense of the upper crust is endlessly entertaining.
It’s a light, easy read that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly the point. So if you’re into mystery with brains and a little bite, pour yourself some tea and dive in.
July 25, 2022
E.E. Holmes is masterful. I have steam rolled through everything she has written and am now grieving as I stayed up WAY too late last night to read this one, and now there are no more left! :-(
So, so good. I might have to re-read this last trilogy as there was a bit of a wait for this one to come out. That way, I can enjoy the tension build even more.
Come on Ms. Holmes, more please!!!!!!!!!
So, so good. I might have to re-read this last trilogy as there was a bit of a wait for this one to come out. That way, I can enjoy the tension build even more.
Come on Ms. Holmes, more please!!!!!!!!!
July 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed each episode of this series.
Eliza is a very strong heroine. Watching her first serve her mistress Jasmine then blossom into friendship and finally co-conspiritors was exciting.
Reading of the encroaching decent into madness of some of the characters was fascinating.
The secrets of different characters unfolding was brilliant. Eli and Elizabeth budding romance wasn't to be missed.
Don't you miss this series either.
I thoroughly enjoyed each episode of this series.
Eliza is a very strong heroine. Watching her first serve her mistress Jasmine then blossom into friendship and finally co-conspiritors was exciting.
Reading of the encroaching decent into madness of some of the characters was fascinating.
The secrets of different characters unfolding was brilliant. Eli and Elizabeth budding romance wasn't to be missed.
Don't you miss this series either.
February 14, 2023
Great read but…
I loved the book and it was certainly action packed, but I was a little disappointed in the ending as the Elders and particularly Elder Hallewell were not dealt with as I expected. I just felt more could have been done. Also, it just felt a bit too contrived that Eliza’s dad as well as Hallewell would be bad guys. What are the odds? Other than that I loved the book and it was still a very good read. I would recommend this trilogy.
I loved the book and it was certainly action packed, but I was a little disappointed in the ending as the Elders and particularly Elder Hallewell were not dealt with as I expected. I just felt more could have been done. Also, it just felt a bit too contrived that Eliza’s dad as well as Hallewell would be bad guys. What are the odds? Other than that I loved the book and it was still a very good read. I would recommend this trilogy.
March 29, 2023
The Rift Magic Saga is a triumph by Author, E.E. Holmes. While a work of fiction, there are many themes that ring true. The saga reminds us just what can happen when power falls into the wrong hands, but also how powerful words can be - they can spread fear, but they can also lead the way to freedom. The saga provides an exciting adventure into an alternate reality with the best type of ending - good triumphing over evil!
July 2, 2023
A fully entralling series
EE Holmes has created an enthralling world where our heroes fight through the injustice created by the Illustratum. Many many unlikely characters in the book will come to the aid of the resistance, yet there are many twists and turns in great surprises. All is not as it seems.
And any review would be remiss if it didn't praise the writers skills. EE Holmes is one of the best writers I have read in years.
EE Holmes has created an enthralling world where our heroes fight through the injustice created by the Illustratum. Many many unlikely characters in the book will come to the aid of the resistance, yet there are many twists and turns in great surprises. All is not as it seems.
And any review would be remiss if it didn't praise the writers skills. EE Holmes is one of the best writers I have read in years.
March 8, 2024
What a fantastic trilogy! I spent many nights reading until 2am because I just couldn’t put the book down! This could seriously be made into movies or a series (as could her Gateway books). So good! Well done as always EE Holmes. Now I’m just waiting for the next Gateway Trackers book (coming in April). I hope we get more of the Vesper Coven as well. You are quickly becoming my favorite author. I highly recommend any of her books!
March 13, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed this series. While it was pretty predictable, but it was captivating enough for me to want to finish this series. I feel like some of the characters could’ve been explained in a little bit more detail. For example, I would have loved to see more development of the rift magic, and what each person‘s ability is actually able to do, but maybe this is a good segue into some character book series that branch off from this series.
August 25, 2025
4.5 maybe. On the whole, this was a really nice conclusion to the series. My only gripe was that the whole plan felt a little too simplistic/naive, but I could sort of suspend disbelief that maybe the authority of the elders wasn't as tight as it seemed. I really liked all the characters and the POV trajectories. Would recommend if you're looking for historical fantasy that's not super complex, but still well-written.
August 6, 2022
So good!!!
I loved how the story moved throughout and how it ended. A few times I had to put the book down to stop the crying and ruin another pair of contacts. I read this book slower than normal just to relish it so it didn’t have to end so fast. Can’t wait for the next series!!
I loved how the story moved throughout and how it ended. A few times I had to put the book down to stop the crying and ruin another pair of contacts. I read this book slower than normal just to relish it so it didn’t have to end so fast. Can’t wait for the next series!!
November 6, 2022
Brilliant!
When I first started this series I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as Legacy and trackers books. But it drew me in and got better and better finishing with this dramatic ending in this book that I was on the edge if my seat for. A brilliant series that I'm so glad I decided to read. Honestly I loved every minute of it.
When I first started this series I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as Legacy and trackers books. But it drew me in and got better and better finishing with this dramatic ending in this book that I was on the edge if my seat for. A brilliant series that I'm so glad I decided to read. Honestly I loved every minute of it.
March 2, 2023
Overjoyed
I loved this last book of the series. Again, the writing was incredible, the plot exciting and justice was truly served. My only regret was that I didn't get to see Elder Hallewel in a prison cell. Like all cowards he couldn't face the consequences of his actions. I cannot wait to read more of this authors works.
I loved this last book of the series. Again, the writing was incredible, the plot exciting and justice was truly served. My only regret was that I didn't get to see Elder Hallewel in a prison cell. Like all cowards he couldn't face the consequences of his actions. I cannot wait to read more of this authors works.
April 8, 2023
Dystopian and fantasy literature collide!
An enchanting blend of magic, corruption, and unconditional loyalty. I couldn’t put the series down. I read all three novels in the series in less than three days. A real page-turner! A must-read for anyone who loves a good dystopian plot with a lot of magic to move things along.
An enchanting blend of magic, corruption, and unconditional loyalty. I couldn’t put the series down. I read all three novels in the series in less than three days. A real page-turner! A must-read for anyone who loves a good dystopian plot with a lot of magic to move things along.
July 16, 2023
Fantastic End to this Saga!
I absolutely loved this book! The storyline came together beautifully! The characters were so well crafted I'm sure I would recognize them on the street. E. E. Holmes has mastered the skill of weaving the long story into a captivating three book series! I recommend this series and this book to anyone who enjoys seeing the downtrodden rise!
I absolutely loved this book! The storyline came together beautifully! The characters were so well crafted I'm sure I would recognize them on the street. E. E. Holmes has mastered the skill of weaving the long story into a captivating three book series! I recommend this series and this book to anyone who enjoys seeing the downtrodden rise!
April 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the action and the message in this series-reading all 3 is required and I couldn't put it down. There are certainly a lot of parallels in the history of our world and maybe a necessary wake up call needed for those involved in politics! Sometimes there is an overuse of similes and metaphors though.
May 23, 2024
*spoilers*
I flew through the trilogy. The theme of uprising against oppression could have gone deeper, and the likelihood of it turning over in such a sudden moment seems unlikely (in the real world). It would have been fun to explore all the riftborn magic further. All that said, I do love a happy ending, which is what all our main characters got!
I flew through the trilogy. The theme of uprising against oppression could have gone deeper, and the likelihood of it turning over in such a sudden moment seems unlikely (in the real world). It would have been fun to explore all the riftborn magic further. All that said, I do love a happy ending, which is what all our main characters got!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
This was a well-constructed, exciting, thoughtful, and enjoyable series - if somewhat predictable in the usual way of YA stories. I did feel like the ending got a little rushed, but I really enjoyed the trilogy as a whole! (I did not, however, enjoy the audiobook narrator. Her voice really grated on my nerves.)
July 8, 2024
3.5 This book was definitely the best in the series. Finally got to see some of the magic side of the story in the end but it seemed wasted that it wasn’t really explored further in the previous 2 books. I was more invested by the end of this series, but it still was lacking from what it could have been in really creating the full depth of Riftmagic world.
July 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series. It wrapped up the series very well. If I have any complaints, some subplots were ended abruptly and were not explored.
Some of the antagonists had different endings than I expected, but it was realistic.
The series explores the quest for power, the lengths people will go to, and the use of religion and other means to further that quest.
Some of the antagonists had different endings than I expected, but it was realistic.
The series explores the quest for power, the lengths people will go to, and the use of religion and other means to further that quest.
January 14, 2025
This series was an interesting Victorian dystopian type adventure. Well written and unique world. I listened to the audiobooks and while I’ve seen several reviews that didn’t like the narrator, I quite enjoyed her performance. Just speed up the playtime.
Of note: If you are a person of faith, this might not be your cup of tea.
Of note: If you are a person of faith, this might not be your cup of tea.
January 27, 2025
I liked the society awakening in this book and that the people were able to rise together to overthrow the corrupt system that was suppressing them. Isolation, tradition, rich/poor, and religious zealotry all combined to make people with magic feel tainted instead of gifted. Some good lessons for today mixed with the fantasy world.
July 9, 2025
Loved It!
Sorry it was over. Can imagine it as a movie. Characters and plot were well developed and believable. Eliza and Jessamine grew from never questioning their fathers and the Book of the Rift to becoming integral parts of the Resistance. Jessamine’s father will do anything, even kill, to become the next High Elder only to have it all come crashing down around him.
Sorry it was over. Can imagine it as a movie. Characters and plot were well developed and believable. Eliza and Jessamine grew from never questioning their fathers and the Book of the Rift to becoming integral parts of the Resistance. Jessamine’s father will do anything, even kill, to become the next High Elder only to have it all come crashing down around him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews