The Rift Walker by Clay and Susan Griffith Review

This is book two of The Vampire Empire Trilogy. Click Here for my review of Book one, The Greyfriar.

Paperback, 300 pages

Expected publication: September 20th 2011 by Prometheus Books
My copy: ARC

Book Description:

Princess Adele struggles with a life of marriage and obligation as her Equatorian Empire and their American Republic allies stand on the brink of war against the vampire clans of the north. However, the alliance's horrific strategy for total victory drives Adele to abandon her duty and embark on a desperate quest to keep her nation from staining its hands with genocide. Reunited with her great love, the mysterious adventurer known to the world as the Greyfriar, Adele is pursued by her own people as well as her vengeful husband, senator Clark. With the human alliance in disarrray, Prince Cesare, lord of the British vampire clan, seizes the initiative and strikes at the very heart of Equatoria.

As Adele labors to bring order to her world, she learns more about the strange powers she exhibited in the north. Her teacher, Mamoru, leads a secret cabal of geomancers who believe Adele is the one who can touch the vast power of the Earth that surges through ley lines and wells up at the rifts where the lines meet. These energies are the key to defeating the enemy of mankind, and if Princess Adele could ever bring this power under her command, she could be death to vampires. But such a victory will also cost the life of Adele's beloved Greyfriar.

The Rift Walkeris the second book in a trilogy of high adventure and alternative history. Combining rousing pulp action with steampunk style, the Vampire Empire series brings epic politcal themes to life within a story of heartbreaking romance, sacrifice, and heroism.

My Review:

How could I have waited so long to read this...a romance and fantasy so epic.

Romance

"His breath was quick as he gazed at her. She was here beside him, willingly and without regret, full of life, full of blood. She looked beautiful."

Action

"The animal grunted and plunged to it's knees, Anhalt leaping before it crashed into the sand. His saber spun in a wide arc as he jumped, catching the vampire as it flew towards him. Holding it's chest, the thing staggered and then scrambled towards a hole in the sandy ground."


Clay and Susan Griffith have again delivered a mighty compelling read. The Rift Walker, which is book two of The Vampire Empire Trilogy, was potent with magic-fantasy life...I think I liked it better than book one, The Greyfriar. But both have differed my judgement on the steampunk sub-genre, I will most definitely be re-reading these books! I say this because the writing is so unforgettable it's almost haunting...the feeling is impressive.

All the characters were interesting, I loved Adele for her strength and independence, not annoying or overwhelming. Greyfriar was another I will always respect, he can lead a story with greatness.

With what's happening between the characters and their reason of living, it all comes to this very admiring story. So with that being said, The Vampire Empire Trilogy is guaranteed a story you would not want to pass up.

5/5