Renee's Book Addiction

Just finished reading…The Shattered Gates (Rifter #1)

March 14, 2011 at 6:00 am 7 comments

The Shattered Gates (The Rifter, book 1) by Ginn Hale

From the publisher’s press release:

Written over five years, The Rifter is award-winning author Ginn Hale’s new ten-part serialized novel that follows two men transported from modern America to a theocratic world in the throes of a revolution.

When I was offered the opportunity to review Ginn Hale’s ambitious, 10-part serialized novel, I jumped at the chance. Not only am I a big fan of Ginn Hale, I was also intrigued by the structure of this project. It conjures up visions of those old-time radio dramas, serialized adventure movies, and telling stories around a campfire where the storyteller always left one wanting more.

Here’s the description for the first installment, The Shattered Gates

This first installment of the 10-part serialized novel pretty much did what it needed to do, and has hooked me!

John and his mysterious roommate, Kahlil/Kyle come from different worlds, but are connected by magic. John is just discovering that there is more to the everyday world he knows. He is thrust into the action (and Kahlil’s world) when he makes a fateful mistake. Now, he’s doing everything he can to survive—and keep his friends alive—in a strange land. I like John. He’s forthright, and a bit skeptical of the magic that he’s just becoming aware of.

Kahlil is still a bit of a mystery. He’s on a mission to protect his world and John’s, even if it means killing. He’s a bit of a fish out of water in John’s world, but I love the wonder he has at the everyday (our) world. even something as simple as ordering breakfast at a diner is a special experience for him. The author really conveys Kahlil’s awe in a beautiful and believable way.

The sense of loneliness and isolation of both men is conveyed beautifully, and it ties them together, even while they are unaware of their similar feelings.

My only quibble with the story was John’s initial lack of curiosity about his knife/weapon carrying roommate. I really found it sort of brought me out of the story when he never even questioned Kahlil’s comings and goings while armed to the teeth (at least beyond wondering about it to himself).

The world—especially Kahlil’s world—has plenty of depth. It’s clear that there’s still a lot to learn about it, but it’s complexity doesn’t completely overwhelm the story. I like the knowledge that I will learn more about it as the story continues to unfold in future installments.

The events were mysterious and compelling enough to suck me in, and make me want more. I have plenty of questions about where the story is going: what role does John play in Kahlil’s world? What will happen when Kahlil connects up with John again? What exactly is going on with the shattered gate? I’m sure that all of my questions will be answered.

In all, I really enjoyed part 1, and can’t wait to read part 2 .

New installments will be released on the second Tuesday of each month. Singles installments and subscriptions are available from Weightless Books.

This review cross-posted on Goodreads.
My Goodreads rating:4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews at Goodreads.
I received this book from the
publisher for review purposes.

Entry filed under: E-Book, Fantasy (High or Urban) M/M, GLBT Fiction, Just Finished Reading (Review), Reviews, Speculative Fiction, Speculative Fiction M/M. Tags: Ginn Hale, The Rifter, The Shattered Gates.