Title: The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire #2)
Author: Clay & Susan Griffith
Publisher: Prometheus
Publish Date: September 20, 2011
Genre: Paranormal, Steampunk
Pages: 399
Source: Publisher

Princess Adele struggles with a life of marriage and obligation as her Equatorian Empire and their American Republic allies stand on the brink of war against the vampire clans of the north. As Adele labors to bring order to her world, she learns more about the strange powers she exhibited in the north. Her teacher, Mamoru, leads a secret cabal of geomancers who believe Adele is the one who can touch the vast power of the Earth that surges through ley lines and wells up at the rifts where the lines meet.

These energies are the key to defeating the enemy of mankind, and if Princess Adele could ever bring this power under her command, she could be death to vampires. But such a victory will also cost the life of Adele's beloved Greyfriar.

Adele is running out of time. Her wedding is fast-approaching, and she's running out of reasons to delay it. Though her marriage to Senator Clark will provide an alliance that's great for her people, she's at a loss. She's fallen for the mysterious Greyfriar, despite the fact that he should be her mortal enemy, and everything she does and thinks turns right around to him once again. But when things go from bad to worse and Adele learns of a heinous plot to willingly use humans against the vampire race, she realizes something must be done...only fast because her wedding is going to be held no matter what. The Greyfriar learns of other plans though - plans that could threaten Adele's life, and the two will be reunited on adventure that will change the course of their lives and all those around them, as well.

I always have to add this disclaimer to reviews of books involving vampires because, let's be honest, they still have vampires in them, and I loathe vampires. With a passion. That said, yet again, I was blown away by a book that defied my staunch stance on vampires. The Rift Walker deftly picks up where book one left off, carrying a heavy load of backstory with ease, all the while introducing new problems, battles and enemies for our hero and heroine to work through. Clay and Susan Griffith have created a sequel in The Rift Walker that may very well surpass its predecessor. With surprising depth, this love story brims with gripping action, potent characters and an enthralling world that seeps through the pages into real life.

Honestly, I adored The Greyfriar, and I will rarely (if ever) say that a sophomore novel ups the ante and might just be better than the first book, but The Rift Walker is truly dangerously and deliciously that good. While we saw the Greyfriar as a passionate hero in book one, we now see Adele coming into her own. She becomes stronger and more steadfast in her beliefs, and she ardently fights for what she wants and knows is right now. Though she knows what should be done with the way the world is, Adele is more concerned in what must be done for the good of everyone and not just herself. She carries the novel from start to finish - a heavy burden to be sure - but it's done well. The Greyfriar lends his nature to the depth of the story, which enriches it without making their dynamic cloying or overbearing. Furthermore, The Rift Walker makes you want to get into the mind of the villains. When a plot so gruesome is brought to life, you want to comprehend what makes a character tick, and the best part of The Rift Walker is that you can see it, and you can feel it and through each of the characters' actions, you can live it. The true beauty of The Rift Walker though is that, although it features a paranormal romance, the seamless blend of political agendas, power and prejudice, love and war make for a striking story that is compelling and dynamic.

Yet again, I was blown away by this series, and I'm so excited to finally read a sequel that steps up its game! The Rift Walker was a fabulous read, and it's one I'll be happy to read time and again. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of both YA and Adult reads, especially those who enjoy paranormal romance and steampunk.

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.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

(ARC) - Thank you, Balzer & Bray

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

FOR REVIEW

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Thank you, Aladdin

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

FOR REVIEW

The Rift Walker by Clay & Susan Griffith

Thank you, Prometheus

Princess Adele struggles with a life of marriage and obligation as her Equatorian Empire and their American Republic allies stand on the brink of war against the vampire clans of the north. However, the alliance's horrific strategy for total victory drives Adele to abandon her duty and embark on a desperate quest to keep her nation from staining its hands with genocide. Reunited with her great love, the mysterious adventurer known to the world as the Greyfriar, Adele is pursued by her own people as well as her vengeful husband, senator Clark.