Into The Rift

A fantasy world like no other. A unique magic system. The most compelling anti-hero of 2022 returns in the second thrilling book of the Riftwalker series.

After stopping the mercenary army and saving Augustin, Jakar and Efadora set their sights on Sulian Daw, where Jakar plans to hunt down the cultists who enslaved him and save the elemental children he grew up beside. But first, that will mean crossing the Rift, the most treacherous place in Ra Thuzan. Back in Mira, Ester, fledgling smith of the Foundry must track down the smith's source of power after it goes missing. And if she fails, it will mean the death of everyone in the Foundry at the hands of the Sovereign and the child prince.

Everything I loved about book one was here again, times ten! Amazing setting, so unique and interesting. Cool characters and great action. Check this out if you're looking for something new and unique in your fantasy!

"The most compelling anti-hero of 2022 returns"

I was excited to return to Ra Thuzan, one of the most creative fantasy worlds I've read. And of course, one of the intriguing protagonists with Jakar.

In the second book of the Rift Walker series, Jakar, Efadora, and Ester (the young Smith from the first book) have point-of-view perspectives. New side characters emerge as complementary to our heroes- Geth, Breach, Torlo, among others. And of course, a tense plot situation unfolds. Notably, Jakar and Efadora strike out on Mira, choosing to travel east past the Rift (a collapsing set of tunnels dividing the east and west regions of Ra Thuzan) to reach Sulian Daw. Jakar has plans to take revenge upon the Ebonrock, a cult enslaving children and turning them into weapons, which was what happened to himself before the start of the series. Efadora, meanwhile, is trying to find a grand purpose after realizing the horrors of her family- namely, her sister and late father- and how much hurt they've caused throughout much of Mira. Jakar keeps the 16-year old girl along for ulterior motives, specifically how his elemental powers go away if he's away from her or anyone of her family.

We also learn more about the new locations that Jakar and Efadora travel through, notably the Rift and the eastern lands. Previously, locations such as Sulian Daw and Som Abast were only mentioned or briefly touched upon during Jakar's flashbacks in the first book. Here, they become a more emphasized part of the story, with their own cultures and history.

Ester sticks around in Mira, the lands west of the Rift. The situation from the end of Flames of Mira is still an ongoing threat- Ester and her brother assisted Jakar in slaying one of the Sovereign's primordia, and she expects retaliation. Rebels have been active throughout the ruins, places that prefer their solitude away from typical civilization. Ester finds herself in the middle of the conflict that she never asked for. But her loyalties- to the Order of the Smiths along with her blood family help establish where her loyalties lie.

The creativity of his book and series is terrific. What seems like a hundred different cults, with their unique culture. Various cities and their traditions. Lovecraft style horror. And, of course, a known world consisting of tunnels, caves, and sinkholes under a frigid world. The political situation of Mira is quite interesting too, learning about how the Sovereign maintains power and how he manages the primordia.

Solid book, solid series, solid ending that has me wanting more. I give this 4/5 stars.