A review by marylu412
Riftborne by Parker Lennox, Bree Grenwich

adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Riftborne was a solid, intriguing read that hit a lot of the right notes for me, even if it didn’t quite blow me away. The world is gritty, moody, and full of tension, with a strong undercurrent of political unrest and magical secrets lurking beneath. I loved how layered the setting felt—there’s a real sense of history, pain, and simmering rebellion beneath the surface that gave everything a slightly dangerous edge. 

Fia isn’t my preferred FMC, but still, she’s ok. Her dynamic with General Ashford was definitely one of the more interesting parts of the book. There’s this cold intensity between them that occasionally sparks into something more, though it never fully hits “romance” levels (at least not yet). It’s slow and a bit emotionally murky, but I liked the push and pull. 

Where the book lost a bit of steam for me was in the pacing. Some moments dragged or felt a little repetitive, especially in the middle, and I sometimes found myself wanting more clarity or urgency in the plot. That said, the final stretch picked up, and the revelations near the end gave me enough momentum to be curious about where things go next. 

If you're into darker fantasy with hidden powers, slow-burn tension, morally gray characters, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed, Riftborne is worth checking out. It’s not a fast-paced ride, but something is captivating about its quiet intensity.