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Journey to the Rift
A dangerous quest into a forbidden land wasn’t exactly what Brijit Carnesîr was planning after her graduation from the Academy. For years she has looked forward starting her life as a member of the Coimirceoirí and she is thrilled to discover that she has been chosen as the Academy Apprentice of her year. But despite the fact that she has been longing to go to Séreméla and work with the Elders, it soon becomes apparent that her fate isn’t as rosy as it appears to be. First, she is paired up with a grumpy male apprentice from Stone Mountain, Weylon Forborrow. Second, it doesn’t take her long to discover that the Elders are not taking her to Séreméla, as tradition dictates. Instead, Weylon and her are sent to The Rift, a dead land tainted with evil. Even before they join the Elder royalty at Tèarmann, an ancient fortress on the cusp of the Rift, Brijit discovers that the Elders are hiding too many things. She is given the task of helping the Princess in birthing the long awaited Queen of the Elders but nothing is as it seems. There is talk of an old and forgotten Prophecy, Weylon is attacked by a creature from the Rift and her grandmother is killed, after revealing a secret that rocks everything Brijit knows about her past. Soon Brijit questions everything she had been led to believe and, worse, she realizes that the future of Séreméla and all of Five Corners is in jeopardy, unless she can find a way to save it!
- GenresFantasy
228 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2016
About the author
Cathi Shaw
10 books93 followersCathi Shaw lives in Summerland, BC with her husband and three children. She is often found wandering around her home, muttering in a seemingly incoherent manner, particularly when her characters have embarked on new adventure. In addition to writing fiction, she is the co-author of the textbook Writing Today and the true story, Surviving Logan.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 6, 2017
Wow!
This was a phenomenal book! After doing a little digging, it appears as though there are two other books that are also set in the same world, but this is the first in this particular series. I haven't read the other two, but I intend to check them out to see if they're also on par with this one.
The world-building in this book is well-developed and phenomenal. We're given hints and small reveals of things along the way as we travel along with Weylong and Brijit, two very likable main characters. The writing flows smoothly, keeping the reader entertained with bits of action, a touch of humor, a hint of a romance, and a spark of mystery. I would have loved to have learned more about the Elders and more about Weylon's comments on their differences. Hopefully, we'll learn more in the second book.
My only complaint is that the book ended way too abruptly... and on a cliffhanger. While I understand that it's a series, it would have been nice to have some of those loose threads tied up while we wait for the next book. This book didn't give me any sense of closure at all. But in the meantime, I intend to check out the other two books this author has written to see another glimpse into this promising world the author has created.
This book review was originally posted on The Novel Lady Blog.
This was a phenomenal book! After doing a little digging, it appears as though there are two other books that are also set in the same world, but this is the first in this particular series. I haven't read the other two, but I intend to check them out to see if they're also on par with this one.
The world-building in this book is well-developed and phenomenal. We're given hints and small reveals of things along the way as we travel along with Weylong and Brijit, two very likable main characters. The writing flows smoothly, keeping the reader entertained with bits of action, a touch of humor, a hint of a romance, and a spark of mystery. I would have loved to have learned more about the Elders and more about Weylon's comments on their differences. Hopefully, we'll learn more in the second book.
My only complaint is that the book ended way too abruptly... and on a cliffhanger. While I understand that it's a series, it would have been nice to have some of those loose threads tied up while we wait for the next book. This book didn't give me any sense of closure at all. But in the meantime, I intend to check out the other two books this author has written to see another glimpse into this promising world the author has created.
This book review was originally posted on The Novel Lady Blog.
February 5, 2017
Another new author to me and I am thankful that I found her. This itself should convey to you that I loved the book! Anyway read on to know what my thoughts are on it.
There are certain themes which instantly appeal to me. One such is the protagonists present in a school atmosphere in a fantasy setting. Maybe it's an aftereffect of Harry Potter, I don't know. But I love reading that type of books. So the beginning was based in a school of sorts and the situation also captivated me with its mysterious undertones. Actually the vein of mystery kept me going till the end. For that, I have to compliment the author. She knows how to keep a reader's interest which might be difficult at times. We, the readers, can be flighty at times!
The progression of the story was natural and smooth. The scenes are interwoven expertly without much information leaking out unnecessarily and I was parched with interest to know more.
The protagonists, Brijit and Weylon are both strong in their own right. Brijit, though feels tough, is actually a soft person but with the inner strength to get her through the toughest situations. She is an admirable meld of strength and vulnerability. As for Weylon, he had my attention from the start because of his attitude! Oh my, I couldn't get more of him! He is the perfect foil for Brijit. He is tough inside and out but with a touch of soft feelings for Brijit which kind of appealed to me. The only part which I didn't like about him was his reaction to her actions which is understandable but meh.. he should be above it!!! Oh well! But he is still my favourite.
After reading so many fantasy books, after a while, the setting of a book seems familiar and it's hard to be motivated to be interested in it so much that the time flies. Though this book has few familiar themes like the discrimination of magic users, etc., there is so much information which still isn't revealed that I have been eager to read the sequel. Actually right now, I have so many questions like Who are the Elders? What is the Rift? What will happen to Weylon? etc., And the book doesn't help at all with the ending, which again leads to a question. The author loves to keep the reader guessing, I think!
I felt that the book was a very short read but long enough to whet my appetite. The pace was steady with no dips at all and the writing had me going with the flow of the tale. There was always something to question or wonder about while reading. I like this style of writing and I hope the author continues with it in her other books. Actually I have been peeking into her other books and I have found another series based in the same world. So I will be checking them out next. Maybe I should have read them before this book even though it reads as a standalone!
All in all, I can say that my fantasy craving has been satisfied splendidly! I can recommend this book to all those out there who have my likes.
I received the book free of charge for an honest review. This doesn't impact my impression and thoughts about the story. What I have written is my own opinion.
My rating : 5/5
My one line review : A fantasy of age old themes with their own spark
My reread factor : 3.5/5
Floryie
There are certain themes which instantly appeal to me. One such is the protagonists present in a school atmosphere in a fantasy setting. Maybe it's an aftereffect of Harry Potter, I don't know. But I love reading that type of books. So the beginning was based in a school of sorts and the situation also captivated me with its mysterious undertones. Actually the vein of mystery kept me going till the end. For that, I have to compliment the author. She knows how to keep a reader's interest which might be difficult at times. We, the readers, can be flighty at times!
The progression of the story was natural and smooth. The scenes are interwoven expertly without much information leaking out unnecessarily and I was parched with interest to know more.
The protagonists, Brijit and Weylon are both strong in their own right. Brijit, though feels tough, is actually a soft person but with the inner strength to get her through the toughest situations. She is an admirable meld of strength and vulnerability. As for Weylon, he had my attention from the start because of his attitude! Oh my, I couldn't get more of him! He is the perfect foil for Brijit. He is tough inside and out but with a touch of soft feelings for Brijit which kind of appealed to me. The only part which I didn't like about him was his reaction to her actions which is understandable but meh.. he should be above it!!! Oh well! But he is still my favourite.
After reading so many fantasy books, after a while, the setting of a book seems familiar and it's hard to be motivated to be interested in it so much that the time flies. Though this book has few familiar themes like the discrimination of magic users, etc., there is so much information which still isn't revealed that I have been eager to read the sequel. Actually right now, I have so many questions like Who are the Elders? What is the Rift? What will happen to Weylon? etc., And the book doesn't help at all with the ending, which again leads to a question. The author loves to keep the reader guessing, I think!
I felt that the book was a very short read but long enough to whet my appetite. The pace was steady with no dips at all and the writing had me going with the flow of the tale. There was always something to question or wonder about while reading. I like this style of writing and I hope the author continues with it in her other books. Actually I have been peeking into her other books and I have found another series based in the same world. So I will be checking them out next. Maybe I should have read them before this book even though it reads as a standalone!
All in all, I can say that my fantasy craving has been satisfied splendidly! I can recommend this book to all those out there who have my likes.
I received the book free of charge for an honest review. This doesn't impact my impression and thoughts about the story. What I have written is my own opinion.
My rating : 5/5
My one line review : A fantasy of age old themes with their own spark
My reread factor : 3.5/5
Floryie
February 4, 2017
Journey to the Rift by Cathi Shaw, utterly shocked me. I read this book and after I finished I did a little more research on Cathi Shaw and learned she had two more books set in the same world but not apart of the same series. While she did in fact, write this book to be a series book, it was so well written and polished that it could easily pass as a stand alone novel, which isn't something that I say often. Personally, I love a good fantasy novel or series, however most people try and write what has already been written because it has been done and has succeeded. Journey to the Rift was a unique book that stood out in the Fantasy genre. I haven't been this excited for a sequel to come out in a really long time. this book leaves me with so many questions- who are the elders? what is the importance of the rift? There are literally a dozen more questions I would love to ask the author and that I hope will be answered in the next book. This fantasy novel ends on such a shocking note that you can't help but question so many things! If you're looking for a high-intensity fantasy book that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time then this is the book for you! I know that I will be going and reading Cathi's other two books because even if they are half as good as this book is I know they will be epic.
February 5, 2017
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours and Ink Smith Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Journey to the Rift by Cathi Shaw! Brijit attends an all girl school and her two best friends accidentally overhear a mysterious and dangerous conversation involving her. Brijit and Weylon, from an all boy school, will travel to the Rift and fulfill a prophecy. None of the three friends know anything about the Rift or the prophecy, but they do know that Brijit has something to do with both. Brijit and Weylon both learn that the adults they have most trusted are hiding things from them and some of the adults may not be trustworthy at all. The story is great and I love the whole plot! As the story progresses, the characters develop and the plot comes together more smoothly. This is the first book in the Coimirceoiri: Guardians of the Marked Ones series and it alludes to much more adventure and intrigue in the books to come. 4 stars!
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours and Ink Smith Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Journey to the Rift by Cathi Shaw! Brijit attends an all girl school and her two best friends accidentally overhear a mysterious and dangerous conversation involving her. Brijit and Weylon, from an all boy school, will travel to the Rift and fulfill a prophecy. None of the three friends know anything about the Rift or the prophecy, but they do know that Brijit has something to do with both. Brijit and Weylon both learn that the adults they have most trusted are hiding things from them and some of the adults may not be trustworthy at all. The story is great and I love the whole plot! As the story progresses, the characters develop and the plot comes together more smoothly. This is the first book in the Coimirceoiri: Guardians of the Marked Ones series and it alludes to much more adventure and intrigue in the books to come. 4 stars!
June 5, 2018
A nice beginning to the story. This book is mostly an introduction to a world and some characters in it. I will plan on reading more to see what happens.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews