Title: Rift
Author: Andrea Cremer (Twitter)
Publisher: Philomel
Publish Date: August 7, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 430
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess.

When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

Ember Morrow knows what her fate holds for her. She's destined to live and die by her father's rules, and she'll be married off at a very young age without her consent. But when circumstances change and she is called to the Conatus Guard, she jumps at the chance, relishing the opportunity to escape the rigid confines of her life. Ember learns that the world outside the Conatus is darker than she ever knew, and the magic she learns will come in handy...if she can stop herself from falling head over heels in love first. But nothing is black and white, and Ember has choices to make - ones that could cost her more than her life. 

I have a confession to make. I have not read the entire Nightshade trilogy, and that is in large part to the seemingly overwhelming dissatisfaction with the series' end. I did, however, read the first book, and I loved the characters, the writing style and the journey through the pages. Rift is written in the same voice that I grew to love in the authors previous works, and I'm thrilled to say that author, Andrea Cremer, crafted a thoughtful, passionate and action-packed prequel that's every bit as thrilling as her other novels. With careful precision and expert craft, we're drawn into a world of magic and intrigue that, despite the danger, we're not certain we want to escape. 

I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant to read Rift because of its daunting size. While I know that it takes time to establish a real paranormal world full of magic and multiple character arcs, I worried that I'd be stuck in a maze of a novel from which I couldn't escape. I couldn't have been more wrong. From the very first page, the book sets off at warp speed, delving into the inner workings of this world in which Ember lives. The magic is tangible and forceful, and it's clearly defined, which makes the story easier to become absorbed in. Because we're offered every intricate detail, we can see this world in sharp focus, and I had a clear vision of the light and dark elements of the story, all of which fueled the plot. Though I was worried that the time period in which Rift is set, I was pleased to find that it's an element of the story that is entirely necessary - and poignant - in terms of every event, action and setting we see throughout the book. I do have to say though, the characters are what truly made the story for me. Ember was such a well-rounded character with clear motives, intentions and personality. She wants nothing more than to break free of this mold her father seems to have in mind for her, and she has this powerful force inside of her that drives her to be (and do) more than others expect of her. Her courage and determination made it easy to become invested in her plight, and I'm thrilled to say that she's become a new favourite in terms of heroines for me. There is a also a steady, beautiful, budding romance that soars throughout the novel, rivaling that of another student/mentor relationship I loved (ahem...Vampire Academy). It's a powerful, developing relationship though; one which we see evolve from mutual admiration, to friendship and, ultimately, into a careful, steady and searing romance. Though there is a touch of a love triangle, which you probably know is the kiss of death for me, Ember's choice is always quite clear, and for that I can forgive the blasphemy of yet another triangle. My only issue with the story is that, though I loved the writing style, I struggled with the language of the story for a bit before getting comfortable with it. I'm sure it will work better for others. 

Overall though, I was extremely impressed with Rift and with the adventure I took through its pages. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories, paranormal romance and fantasy. 

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsay
Publisher: Philomel
Published: December 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 336

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

There haven't been too many paranormal books that have really struck me as original lately, but when I saw the cover for Shattered Souls and read the premise, I was completely sold. There's hints of love, a twisty darkness to it and an awesome-sounding plot. This one is a definite must-read for me! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Redwall
Author: Brian Jacques
Publisher: Philomel
Published: January 1, 1990
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 352
Source: Personal Copy

As the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey bask in the glorious Summer of the Late Rose, all is quiet and peaceful. But things are not as they seem. Cluny the Scourge, the evil one-eyed rat warlord, is hell-bent on destroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle for the ownership of Redwall. This dazzling story in the Redwall series is packed with all the wit, wisdom, humor, and blood-curdling adventure of the other books in the collection, but has the added bonus of taking the reader right back to the heart and soul of Redwall Abbey and the characters who live there.

Redwall is the story of an ancient Abbey deep in the woods of Mossflower, a pristine forest where animals live in harmony with one another. Redwall Abbey is the heart of all of Mossflower; a place where the citizens of the land live in peace and tranquility, coexisting despite their different species and backgrounds. The land is threatened, however, by a dangerous enemy known as Cluny the Scourge, a one-eye rat warlord. Determined to overtake Redwall Abbey and claim Mossflower as his domain, Cluny will stop at nothing to gain what he seeks. Matthias, a little mouse from a humble background, however, won’t rest until he proves his worth and saves Redwall from the tyrant. And so, Matthias begins searching for the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior to save Redwall. Can he become the hero he so desperately wants to be in time?

Ok, I know what you’re thinking…a book…with animals as the characters? Don’t be so quick to judge! I started reading this series when I was about 8 years old, and I made fun of the silly covers at that age, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Redwall is the first book in a series about Redwall Abbey, a harmonious place where the animals survive in peace and tranquility. That peace is threatened when a marauding band of tyrants sets up camp in the Church of St. Ninian with the goal of conquering Redwall. Brian Jacques created a magical start to the series with a book brimming with fantastic characters and a loveable hero in Matthias that propels the book forward with every minute action.

Redwall presents a world without humans – one where the animals are every bit as human as humans, themselves. With a loveable hero in Matthias, we’re transported to a world that’s simple at its core, but perfectly portrays base human emotions from love, to greed, to the hero that lies within every one of us. The world is rich and descriptive, and Brian Jacques’ words transport you to a world that’s pure and beautiful, but plagued by destruction, very much like our own world. With epic battles, a sweet love story, a full cast of endearing characters, and a world of adventure, Redwall is the perfect start to a great series. My only major qualm with Redwall is the amount of descriptiveness spent on each feast. Frankly, I got really hungry each time, and I can now tell you every staple of food on their tables.

All in all though, I loved Redwall, and I’m pleased to say it’s one of my go-to books to read and re-read time and again. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to YA readers, especially those who enjoy a good fantasy. Fans of Watership Down will also love this book. The second book in the series is Mossflower.