⭐⭐⭐
Of Rifts and Promises
Scarlet Tempest
I have mixed thoughts about Of Rifts and Promises.
Initially, I was completely hooked. I love a mermaid/siren story, and Scarlet’s Sirens seem fierce and multifaceted. Brina, our main protagonist, is the chief’s daughter and has been trained her whole life as a warrior.
She is sent on a mission to find some missing Sirens – and what she finds is horrific. This starts the beginning of a quest for information involving a seductive sorceress and an age-old family feud.
Ultimately, within the constraints of 85 pages, Scarlet weaves a pretty elaborate world of magic and war.
I found the spice scenes to be a bit forced. The chemistry between Brina and her first encounter wasn’t believable, and her chemistry with the second was somewhat believable but very rushed. I’d have appreciated a several month hostage situation, rather than a 20 minute “interrogation.”
Now, this is probably personal preference and the scene was likely written this way to show Brina’s impulsiveness and quick thinking.
Fayenne was an interesting and layered character. I’d like to have unlocked more of her background – which I’m assuming is coming in the next installment of the Manacles of Ice and Blood series. I think she may have been my favorite piece of the story — a puzzle, with whom Brina was entranced.
Good characters, great worldbuilding, slightly rushed story slim on details. Again, this was probably intentional as this is really a supplemental teaser piece to a larger book.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Scarlet Tempest for the eARC!
Of Rifts & Promises is available on Kindle Unlimited or to purchase here
The Midnight Review 