bookishnicole's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me about a day to read. It was really easy to get pulled into Ember's world, and this strange society of Conatus. I sort of felt bad for Ember as she tried to fight to be who she wanted to be, wanting to be a warrior in Scotland and be a woman any time before the modern day was not easy. I loved that this book also tickled my history taste buds because it took place during the 1400s.
I really liked getting to know Barrow and and what Conatus was about. The concept of women being a part of theorganization was so forward thinking and great, I even loved that there were two women who sat on the head council as far as helping to make decisions. Granted it was a fictitious society, but I loved that they were that forward thinking, it was 100's of years before a woman could dream of such rights.
I loved the training and the way Ember got her weapons and seemed to earn her stripes working with Conatus. I also liked that Barrow tried not to favor her when he so clearly did. I loved the banter in the development of their relationship as both of them tried to deny their mutual attraction.
One thing that I was really glad about this book was the lack of a developed love triangle. This seems to happen in more books than not, and I'm so glad that although there was a sort of attempt at it by Alistair, but that got nipped in the bud. I'm really eager to see where that unfortunate situation is going to work itself out in the next book.
I'm really excited to read Rise, the next book in the series out in January. I'm also excited to see how its all going to relate when I finally do get to read the Nightshade series.
I really liked getting to know Barrow and and what Conatus was about. The concept of women being a part of theorganization was so forward thinking and great, I even loved that there were two women who sat on the head council as far as helping to make decisions. Granted it was a fictitious society, but I loved that they were that forward thinking, it was 100's of years before a woman could dream of such rights.
I loved the training and the way Ember got her weapons and seemed to earn her stripes working with Conatus. I also liked that Barrow tried not to favor her when he so clearly did. I loved the banter in the development of their relationship as both of them tried to deny their mutual attraction.
One thing that I was really glad about this book was the lack of a developed love triangle. This seems to happen in more books than not, and I'm so glad that although there was a sort of attempt at it by Alistair, but that got nipped in the bud. I'm really eager to see where that unfortunate situation is going to work itself out in the next book.
I'm really excited to read Rise, the next book in the series out in January. I'm also excited to see how its all going to relate when I finally do get to read the Nightshade series.
tehani's review against another edition
4.0
I was very surprised by this book - enjoyed it a lot, though I don't think it's perfect, but was particularly interested in it as a prequel to a best-selling contemporary urban fantasy series, because this is a different genre ENTIRELY, being basically historical fantasy. Set in a "real" historical world, with magic and demons thrown in. I really can't think of another example when an author has done this, so that was an interesting touch.
antidietleah's review against another edition
4.0
I hate to admit it but I really enjoy this type of book, though, I was wary about the era this was set in - I have little interest in the Middle Ages. This is the prequel series to the Nightshade series and delves into the history of the split of the Circle and we are introduced to Bosque Mar. The story revolves around the viewpoint of Ember, a 16-year-old noble's daughter that joins the Guards of Conatus and naturally, falls in love with her mentor while battling the evils of the world. Also, though it only plays a very minor role in the book, I must say that I am impressed with Cremer's ability to also include same-sex relationships in all of her books.
elva08's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
1.75
ericadeb's review against another edition
4.0
To get a grasp of this book, combine Maria V Snyder's Study series heroin, Yelana and Healer series papa bear, Bellen, the religious aspects of Nancy Holder's Wicked series and occasionally the over all feel of Lo's Huntress. That being said, once you get past the clumsy and purposely confusing beginning, this book is a great read. I would even say it is better than Cremer's NIghtshade series. The characters are likable, the danger is real, and the "love story" is believable (unlike the one in Nightshade that was so on the surface it was like Edward and Bella).
It took until around 300 pages in to understand the connection between this prequel and the Nightshade series, but once it got there, it made me go, "Ooooooh, I want to read the next book!"
Definitely worth the read.
It took until around 300 pages in to understand the connection between this prequel and the Nightshade series, but once it got there, it made me go, "Ooooooh, I want to read the next book!"
Definitely worth the read.
jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars. Was cleaning my shelves and saw that I had this series on my shelf and decided to just pick this up and it was surprisingly really good! I wasn’t crazy about the Nightshade trilogy by this author but this was great. Well written, action packed, and kept my interest. I’m glad that I also have the second book because this was a pleasant surprise.
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
BEA
I wanted to love this book. Andrea Cremer is the sweetest author and I have heard so many good things about her books. I was really excited for this one but it just never worked for me. I tend to struggle with books set in this time period (1400s). I had hoped that wouldn't be a problem but it was. I liked Ember and Barrow but I thought the other characters were fairly one dimensional, inhabiting a plot filled with twists that were easy to see coming. I haven't read the other Nightshade books so that might also have been part of the problem (although the book works as a standalone I wonder if I would have been more invested had I read the first series).
I wanted to love this book. Andrea Cremer is the sweetest author and I have heard so many good things about her books. I was really excited for this one but it just never worked for me. I tend to struggle with books set in this time period (1400s). I had hoped that wouldn't be a problem but it was. I liked Ember and Barrow but I thought the other characters were fairly one dimensional, inhabiting a plot filled with twists that were easy to see coming. I haven't read the other Nightshade books so that might also have been part of the problem (although the book works as a standalone I wonder if I would have been more invested had I read the first series).
fareehuh's review against another edition
4.0
Dunno why it took me so long to finish this but OMG. Sheesh. **Spoilers ahead**
I was happy that Barrow didn't reject Ember later on. And damn right! I was fuckin proud of Ember for punching Allistair. That fuckin psycho, making up his own little stories in his head smh. But anyways!
Eira is a self-centered moron. How can you think that Bosque Mar is fuckin good? He controls things that KILL people. Ugh, she's so power hungry smh.
The beginning took me a while to get through but it was worth finishing - as always with Cremers' books. Amazing!
I can't wait to read Rise.
I was happy that Barrow didn't reject Ember later on. And damn right! I was fuckin proud of Ember for punching Allistair. That fuckin psycho, making up his own little stories in his head smh. But anyways!
Eira is a self-centered moron. How can you think that Bosque Mar is fuckin good? He controls things that KILL people. Ugh, she's so power hungry smh.
The beginning took me a while to get through but it was worth finishing - as always with Cremers' books. Amazing!
I can't wait to read Rise.
lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this prequel to the Nightshade series. I'm very intrigued in how it will all shake out and can't wait for the next book! You can read my full review here:
http://misclisa.blogspot.com/2012/07/rift-nightshade-prequel-1-by-andrea.html
http://misclisa.blogspot.com/2012/07/rift-nightshade-prequel-1-by-andrea.html