The Rift
Age 14+
Fantasy & Magical Realism
The Rift is an action-packed YA fantasy full of heart-pounding romance from award-winning New Zealand author Rachael Craw.
When the Rift opens, death follows.
For generations, the Rangers of Black Water Island have guarded the Old Herd against horrors released by the Rift. Cal West, an apprentice Ranger with a rare scar and even rarer gifts, fights daily to prove he belongs within their ranks. After nine years away, Meg Archer returns to her childhood home only to find the Island is facing a new threat that not even the Rangers are prepared for. Meg and Cal can’t ignore their attraction, but can they face their darkest fears to save the Island from disaster?
Creators
Rachael Craw began her working life as an English Teacher after completing a degree in Classical Studies and Drama at the University of Canterbury. She dabbled in acting, directing and writing for amateur theatre productions and small independent film ventures. Her passion for dialogue and characterisation finally led to long-form writing with the Spark series. Rachael's enthusiasm for classical heroes, teen angst and popular culture informs much of her creative process. She enjoys small town life at the top of the South Island of New Zealand where she lives with her husband and three daughters. Visit her online at www.rachaelcraw.com
Reviews
A fantasy story with amazing world building, this is a step up from Craw’s other books. The characters are sophisticated, with serious backstory and plenty of angst…An involving and well-paced story, with some romance and quirky humour thrown in for good measure…I hope this is not the last we see of Black Water Island and its mesmerising residents.
Magpies Magazine
The Rift is a high-octane action read with multiple complications and a little bit of romance. It’s the perfect escape-from-it-all read.
Kids' Book Review
Highly recommended. This was a stunning, original stand-alone story with a gripping narrative, strange world and heroic characters.
ReadPlus
Rachael Craw, you are a wonder. Your debut is smashing and you’ve more than still got it, you’re growing from great to rare. Definitely one of the best YA books I’ve read not only this year, but ever.
Striking Keys
This is a fast-paced novel with suspense and intrigue a-plenty, as well as explorations of family relationships, teenage love and heroics all cleverly interwoven. It will keep its readers fascinated until the end.
CBCA: Reading Time
