I just finished reading Rift by Andrea Cremer and it was amazing! I am one for a huge love story but this book didn't have one nor need one! There was love in it and it was adorable but that isn't what this story is about at all. Ember's life is already prepared for her by her father but that isn't what she wants at all. She doesn't want to be stuck inside as someone's wife, she wants to be out in the world fighting. Her best friend since she was younger, Alistair, comes back from being a guard for Conatus to bring back Ember to join these elite guards. Along with Alistair is the ever handsome Barrow who is a little intimidating which proves very necessary to bring Ember back thanks to her lovely (sarcasm) father. After Barrow defeats a few of Ember's father's knights Ember and her family travel to Tearmunn where the Conatus stronghold is located. There she is put through a trail to see what she is suited for and finds out that magic and superstition aren't just stories but real. She survives her trial of course and is then taken to the barracks where she will stay and then to see who her mentor will be. During this ceremony her father interrupts right before a female warrior was about to choose her. As soon as he dad comes in Barrow says he will be her mentor and things take off.
The book also switches between what is going on with Ember and the "weird sisters" Eira and Cian. Eira and Cian are part of the circle which are pretty much the leaders and Eira wants nothing more than to have more women involved in the guard but thinks to the times it is looked down upon. It is this intent that Eira meets and gets help from a baddie we meet in the Nightshade series! :D I don't want to say much more because I really don't want to give more away than I might have already but there is quite a bit of action too! There is a little misunderstanding of feelings that affects Ember. Barrow is an awesome instructor and is very caring of Ember and how she is doing! One of my favorite parts is when Ember is in the infirmary and Barrow is there. I don't want to ruin this part for you because like I said it's my favorite part and might be yours too when you read it. Like I said the romance takes a back seat to the main story of Ember becoming a member of the guard and it is done very well with enough hints of romance that you don't really miss it! The writing is incredible and the world Andrea Cremer has made is absolutely amazing! I loved her nightshade series and this prequel series isn't any less amazing! Go out and buy this first prequel book because you won't regret it!
