Riftborne is built on intriguing ideas and a promising premise, but its execution often falls short. While I admire the ambition of its world-buildingRiftborne is built on intriguing ideas and a promising premise, but its execution often falls short. While I admire the ambition of its world-building and the attempt to weave complex relationships and mysteries into the narrative, the book is bogged down by inconsistencies, shallow characterization, and a writing style that underestimates its audience.
The pacing is equally inconsistent. Chapters drag with filler material, redundant recaps, and moments that add little to the plot. For example, a scene where Fia “spends an hour� recounting events that took minutes emphasizes the tendency to stretch out mundane details while glossing over significant emotional or narrative moments. It's frustrating because when the story does slow down, it's rarely for the moments that actually deserve that attention.
The Characters:
Fia, the main character, struggles to carry the story. While her Riftborne heritage hints at intriguing depth, the lack of clarity around her backstory makes it difficult to connect with her struggles. Her erratic mood swings and tendency toward dramatics make her come across as immature rather than relatable. The supporting cast is no better, often reduced to one-dimensional roles that either antagonize or enable Fia without any real development of their own.
The romance, in particular, feels forced and rushed. The leap from "I hate you" to "I would die without you" happens so fast it gives emotional whiplash without any meaningful interactions to justify the change. Their supposedly profound connection feels about as deep as a puddle, undermined by cringeworthy dialogue and possessive behavior that feels out of place and outdated. Lines like “You’re mine� and declarations of unbearable longing after minimal interaction strain the moment’s credibility and detract from the emotional weight the authors likely intended.
World-Building and Plot:
The world of Riftborne had the potential to be its saving grace, but the book leaves too many unanswered questions. Who are the Riftborne, why were they persecuted, and how does Fia fit into the larger narrative? Instead of exploring these mysteries, the plot often devolves into predictable twists and heavy-handed foreshadowing. Key details are spoon-fed to the reader, removing any sense of intrigue or discovery.
The magic system and political intrigue are introduced but never fully realized, leaving the world feeling hollow. Meanwhile, action scenes, like the climactic fight sequences, are underwhelming, plagued by vague descriptions and a lack of tension.
Final Thoughts:
Despite its flaws, Riftborne isn’t without merit. The foundation of an engaging story is there, and some moments hint at the authors� potential to craft a richer, more compelling narrative in the future. However, the novel’s lack of polish, uneven pacing, and shallow character arcs make it a frustrating read.
Would I read the sequel? Maybe. I’m curious about the world Parker and Lennox have created, and I’d like to see if they can refine their storytelling and address the issues that detract from this first installment. But for Riftborne, the execution doesn’t live up to the promise of its ideas....more
Nettle and Bone was a breath of fresh air in a genre that often leans too hard on the same tired tropes.
The protagonist is a 30-year-old woman! Not a Nettle and Bone was a breath of fresh air in a genre that often leans too hard on the same tired tropes.
The protagonist is a 30-year-old woman! Not a teenage prodigy or an all-powerful chosen one, just a determined, self-doubting, and occasionally awkward person trying to do the right thing. She’s not the strongest, the smartest, or the most charismatic, but she gets things done. She wrestles with anxiety over simple interactions, she’s slow to pick up on certain things, and she’s self-described as a stout woman with a robust chin roll when she looks down. She’s fiercely loyal, kind, and stubborn in the best way. All that to say, she feels real.
And then there’s her oddball questing party:
A charming, honorable love interest whose romance unfolds quietly in the background, without derailing the plot. A grumpy graveyard witch with a demon chicken familiar. A bumbling but well-meaning fairy godmother. And a dog made of bones.
For years, it’s felt like the market has been flooded with hastily churned-out stories featuring teenage heroines who are inexplicably gifted at everything, dating a 900-year-old immortal, and somehow masters of combat overnight. Nettle and Bone isn’t trying to be flashy or groundbreaking, but its simple, well-crafted prose and refreshing approach to storytelling made it a joy to read. It may not be the most profound book out there, but I think it’s exactly what’s needed—a beautifully strange, slightly macabre, and unexpectedly cozy adventure.
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