Rift in the Deep (The Steward Saga #1) by Janelle Garrett (2018)
~Review Request~
Fiction | Fantasy
Blurb:
“A darkness lurks beneath the surface, brooding, waiting. The Deep writhes in currents of power, holding the Rift at bay. But the Stewards, accessors of the Deep, have not walked the Lands in three hundred years. Their legend lives on, but it is just that. Legend. No one living remembers. And the witches wait for their return, when all four Stewards can unite to bring about the downfall of the Rift.
Brate Hightower knows of such legends, but it has little to do with his daily life. He toils on his farm, alone and wondering when he will be able to travel to the Forest City and sing in the halls of the Triumphant King. Malok Mountain Keeper lives in isolation, studying as an acolyte and longing for the day he can become a Brother and spend the rest of his life gleaning as much knowledge as he can. Graissa del’Blyth lives in discontent amongst the wealthy, longing for a life of purpose and justice. Priva Car’abel is a bladeweilder, at the beck and call of the Flatland King and searching for a missing Princess. All of their lives change in an instant, and none of them can predict where their paths lead. Will they step up to the challenge and embrace their destiny? Or will the lure of power or the challenge of a new, rising foe be their undoing?
The sphere hangs in the balance. They must succeed, or all will be lost in darkness and shadow. And if they are to embrace the call, they will need the help of the Covenwitches.”
–Goodreads
pooled ink Review:
Thank you to the author for submitting this book for review!
When the author reached out to me about her book I was certainly intrigued to look into it as I do enjoy a good fantasy. And if you love a nice thick fantasy novel filled with magic, intertwined destinies, complicated characters, journeys of fate, and that layered finesse that comes with all good high fantasy tales then perhaps you should look into this book for yourself.
The book opens with a prologue filled with arguing, fear, madness, and power that spills over into a wild gasp of a beginning before launching us 10,000 years later with the first chapter. We are left with questions but it’s a startling writing tactic that successfully grabs attention urging the reader to push on. The book alternates POVs and I love when a high fantasy does this because it really helps broaden the world, deepen the plot, expand the possibilities, and when each POV is interesting to read it just adds more magic to the telling. And not all the characters understand the powers within them or the schemes around them so it was interesting to discover it all by their side.
The world-building was rich, complex, and worthy of any high fantasy fan. It was very clear that both the author and the characters had a vivid understanding of the geography they found themselves in and this translated to me as a reader.
Truthfully there were moments where my mind wandered or I brushed things aside mildly confused but assuming with patience it would make sense. And while I liked the flowing classic fantasy style of writing, at times I wished it’d move along a bit quicker rather than get quite so wrapped up in its descriptive language. Pacing-wise I thought it flowed overall and I contribute my held attention to the changing landscapes and POVs which although all a part of the same story carried very different and distinctive voices.
Also be warned, there is a cliff-hanger at the end of this book so you’ll want to be sure to have the sequel on hand…
Rift in the Deep both resurrects classic high fantasy elements and ignites its story with a vivid uniqueness that is telling of the author’s imagination. Lengthy but alluring this tale is filled with dark creatures, power untold, curious characters, and a flow to its telling that will sweep you away through time. A definite contender for fantasy fans indeed.
Cheers.
Purchase Here: Rift in the Deep
Meet Janelle Garrett!
I’ve always hated labels, preferring for my actions to speak louder than my words. In this case I will make an exception. I’m first a child of God, and a lover of all things theology, political, and religious. I know, those are the three things you’re never supposed to talk about in every day conversation, but when it comes right down to it, I’ve never cared much for societal norms.
Second, I am wife to a philosopher and a theologian who masquerades by day as a corporate employee, and by night as a student of all things intellectual.
Third, I am mother to two crazy, adorable monsters who run my life like tiny dictators.
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