Ember is a realistic heroine whose warrior skills make her a formidable protagonist, and Cremer deftly weaves in an antagonist in the form of the well-intentioned Eira. Ember and Barrow's connection is steamy (but not explicit). They will need to be patient with the slow start of Rift, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a richly layered, supernatural romance both appealing and unique. Readers slowly grow to understand that Eira is beckoned to the dark side and, in Cremer's world, this is evil indeed. Alternating chapters give insight into Cian and Eira, sister warriors who are part of the circle of leaders of Conatus. The bulk of the book details her initiation, training, and gradual understanding of the magic that is at work at Tearmunn.

When a brooding and handsome warrior named Barrow comes to collect her, Ember all too willingly joins the elite guard. A midwife saved both the baby and her mother, but the cost was dear Ember was promised to Conatus. Ember's birth was nearly fatal for her mother and, at his wits end, her father called upon Conatus for help. “Nightshade is a glittering, dark gem.Gr 10 Up- In 1404, Ember, 16, should have been the wife of a rich landowner, but she has been promised to Conatus, a group of monklike warriors shrouded in mystery and housed and trained in Tearmunn, an estate in the Scottish Lowlands.

“Sexy and thrilling.” - BECCA FITZPATRICK, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF HUSH, HUSH a book for well-read hopeless romantics who like their heroines conflicted, their love interests smoldering, and their passions triangulated and torrid, yet unfulfilled.” - LOS ANGELES TIMES “Nightshade is historical fiction-with a modern pop culture twist. “Clever young adult saga that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.”- ASSOCIATED PRESS will no doubt have teens debating the relative merits of werewolves versus vampires.” - BOOKLIST “There’s enough action to engage any reluctant reader. lift it to a higher level.”- KIRKUS REVIEWS The book’s underlying themes of individualism and freedom. “Yet another young adult novel filled with supernatural beasties, but this teen wolf tale is actually good and will keep you reading intently.”- ENTERTAINMENTWEEKLY.COM “Cremer’s trademark quick pace, romantic sensuality, and strong female characters will have fans clamoring for the next title.” - BOOKLIST “A richly layered, supernatural romance both appealing and unique.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL “A bit different from Nightshade, this is a book for historical and paranormal romance lovers alike.A great new book that will leave you breathless.” – ROMANTIC TIMES

Rift by Andrea Cremer