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The Riftmagic Saga #3
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm
From the gutters of London, magic will rise...
After her narrow escape at the burning of Bedlam, Eliza Braxton's world has been turned upside down. The Illustratum's hold on the RIftborn is slipping, but so is Eliza's fragile hold on who she is. She is left facing a terrifying choice; continue her role as spy in the powerful Hallewell household, or join in open rebellion against the Illustratum. All her life, Eliza has been cautious, but now that her eyes are open, it is clear that the time has come to throw caution to the wind and embrace the power that has kept her repressed since childhood.
The Illustratum must fall.
The Riftborn must rise.
But at what cost?
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm is the thrilling third installment in the Riftmagic Saga by E.E. Holmes.
After her narrow escape at the burning of Bedlam, Eliza Braxton's world has been turned upside down. The Illustratum's hold on the RIftborn is slipping, but so is Eliza's fragile hold on who she is. She is left facing a terrifying choice; continue her role as spy in the powerful Hallewell household, or join in open rebellion against the Illustratum. All her life, Eliza has been cautious, but now that her eyes are open, it is clear that the time has come to throw caution to the wind and embrace the power that has kept her repressed since childhood.
The Illustratum must fall.
The Riftborn must rise.
But at what cost?
The Girl at the Heart of the Storm is the thrilling third installment in the Riftmagic Saga by E.E. Holmes.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2022
About the author
E.E. Holmes
26 books928 followersE.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 24, 2022
At its heart a feminist work
Bit of a spoiler but hopefully in an encouraging way. It struck me as I finished this trilogy that I had just witnessed the overthrow of the rule of the fathers. It was not an overthrow of men in general as there were a number of men of goodwill in the narrative. No, it was only the fathers who from my view stood as the markers of an overtly punitive socioeconomic and political system, a capitalist patriarchal one. It is much like our own here in US where people are punished to the degree they veer from the normative way of being human that we have created in this country and elsewhere. You know the norm - the white Christian heterosexual man of privilege. And as in our country the general public is dosed with reinforcing propaganda/drink so they cannot or are afraid to access their own gifts or magic so to speak. Ah, it is a delightful story well told with a variety of characters who enrich and support it. Subtly and not so subtly subversive of the status quo. A story for our time. Read all three. You will enjoy them unless, you know, you are part of the existing power structure and then you might find yourself a little concerned.
Bit of a spoiler but hopefully in an encouraging way. It struck me as I finished this trilogy that I had just witnessed the overthrow of the rule of the fathers. It was not an overthrow of men in general as there were a number of men of goodwill in the narrative. No, it was only the fathers who from my view stood as the markers of an overtly punitive socioeconomic and political system, a capitalist patriarchal one. It is much like our own here in US where people are punished to the degree they veer from the normative way of being human that we have created in this country and elsewhere. You know the norm - the white Christian heterosexual man of privilege. And as in our country the general public is dosed with reinforcing propaganda/drink so they cannot or are afraid to access their own gifts or magic so to speak. Ah, it is a delightful story well told with a variety of characters who enrich and support it. Subtly and not so subtly subversive of the status quo. A story for our time. Read all three. You will enjoy them unless, you know, you are part of the existing power structure and then you might find yourself a little concerned.
March 17, 2024
Sometimes I’m bored with a series by book three but this Riftmagic series hit its stride in terms of mythology, and this last book was a great place to just dig in. I don’t find the storytelling sophisticated, but I appreciate the subversive nature of how the series points out how people can be oppressed in the name of God
April 25, 2024
Absolutely brilliant read - couldn't put this down. Felt like it was a mash up of shadowhunters with a bit of the society intrigue of Bridgerton also with a healthy mix of magic. Thoroughly enjoyable series.
April 26, 2023
Such a great conclusion to this series!!
July 26, 2022
jaw dropping
The perfect ending to a 3 book series. It has the suspense, the heart break, the loyalty, the betrayal, plus so much more. This is what a resistance is made up of, all because of Stubborn Elders. Who go against determined RiftMagic wielders. I think my favorite part is the outcome of both jessamine and Eliza’s mothers. In the end, so many twists and turns, it was an outstanding book. The writing was life consuming.
The perfect ending to a 3 book series. It has the suspense, the heart break, the loyalty, the betrayal, plus so much more. This is what a resistance is made up of, all because of Stubborn Elders. Who go against determined RiftMagic wielders. I think my favorite part is the outcome of both jessamine and Eliza’s mothers. In the end, so many twists and turns, it was an outstanding book. The writing was life consuming.
August 15, 2022
5 out of 5 enthusiastic stars!!!!
A fantastic finish to the Riftmagic Saga! E. E. Holmes has become one of the authors whose books automatically go on my TBR list. She is an excellent writer with a brilliant imagination. I adored her Gateway series, & the Riftmagic Saga has been just as much of a joy. The world she crafted climbed off of the pages, the characters so believable, & their lives in post-Rift England so realistic that if I didn't know better I could believe that this tale really happened. This entire book was building towards a very well crafted climax, & the action-packed ending left nothing to be desired. Loose ends were wrapped up & the antagonist got what was coming to him. The epilogue perfectly illustrated the HEA our favorite characters so rightly deserved. I can't wait to see what she has coming out next!!
A fantastic finish to the Riftmagic Saga! E. E. Holmes has become one of the authors whose books automatically go on my TBR list. She is an excellent writer with a brilliant imagination. I adored her Gateway series, & the Riftmagic Saga has been just as much of a joy. The world she crafted climbed off of the pages, the characters so believable, & their lives in post-Rift England so realistic that if I didn't know better I could believe that this tale really happened. This entire book was building towards a very well crafted climax, & the action-packed ending left nothing to be desired. Loose ends were wrapped up & the antagonist got what was coming to him. The epilogue perfectly illustrated the HEA our favorite characters so rightly deserved. I can't wait to see what she has coming out next!!
July 25, 2022
E.E. Holmes is masterful. I have steam rolled through everything she has written and am now grieving as I stayed up WAY too late last night to read this one, and now there are no more left! :-(
So, so good. I might have to re-read this last trilogy as there was a bit of a wait for this one to come out. That way, I can enjoy the tension build even more.
Come on Ms. Holmes, more please!!!!!!!!!
So, so good. I might have to re-read this last trilogy as there was a bit of a wait for this one to come out. That way, I can enjoy the tension build even more.
Come on Ms. Holmes, more please!!!!!!!!!
July 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed each episode of this series.
Eliza is a very strong heroine. Watching her first serve her mistress Jasmine then blossom into friendship and finally co-conspiritors was exciting.
Reading of the encroaching decent into madness of some of the characters was fascinating.
The secrets of different characters unfolding was brilliant. Eli and Elizabeth budding romance wasn't to be missed.
Don't you miss this series either.
I thoroughly enjoyed each episode of this series.
Eliza is a very strong heroine. Watching her first serve her mistress Jasmine then blossom into friendship and finally co-conspiritors was exciting.
Reading of the encroaching decent into madness of some of the characters was fascinating.
The secrets of different characters unfolding was brilliant. Eli and Elizabeth budding romance wasn't to be missed.
Don't you miss this series either.
February 14, 2023
Great read but…
I loved the book and it was certainly action packed, but I was a little disappointed in the ending as the Elders and particularly Elder Hallewell were not dealt with as I expected. I just felt more could have been done. Also, it just felt a bit too contrived that Eliza’s dad as well as Hallewell would be bad guys. What are the odds? Other than that I loved the book and it was still a very good read. I would recommend this trilogy.
I loved the book and it was certainly action packed, but I was a little disappointed in the ending as the Elders and particularly Elder Hallewell were not dealt with as I expected. I just felt more could have been done. Also, it just felt a bit too contrived that Eliza’s dad as well as Hallewell would be bad guys. What are the odds? Other than that I loved the book and it was still a very good read. I would recommend this trilogy.
March 29, 2023
The Rift Magic Saga is a triumph by Author, E.E. Holmes. While a work of fiction, there are many themes that ring true. The saga reminds us just what can happen when power falls into the wrong hands, but also how powerful words can be - they can spread fear, but they can also lead the way to freedom. The saga provides an exciting adventure into an alternate reality with the best type of ending - good triumphing over evil!
July 2, 2023
A fully entralling series
EE Holmes has created an enthralling world where our heroes fight through the injustice created by the Illustratum. Many many unlikely characters in the book will come to the aid of the resistance, yet there are many twists and turns in great surprises. All is not as it seems.
And any review would be remiss if it didn't praise the writers skills. EE Holmes is one of the best writers I have read in years.
EE Holmes has created an enthralling world where our heroes fight through the injustice created by the Illustratum. Many many unlikely characters in the book will come to the aid of the resistance, yet there are many twists and turns in great surprises. All is not as it seems.
And any review would be remiss if it didn't praise the writers skills. EE Holmes is one of the best writers I have read in years.
March 8, 2024
What a fantastic trilogy! I spent many nights reading until 2am because I just couldn’t put the book down! This could seriously be made into movies or a series (as could her Gateway books). So good! Well done as always EE Holmes. Now I’m just waiting for the next Gateway Trackers book (coming in April). I hope we get more of the Vesper Coven as well. You are quickly becoming my favorite author. I highly recommend any of her books!
March 13, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed this series. While it was pretty predictable, but it was captivating enough for me to want to finish this series. I feel like some of the characters could’ve been explained in a little bit more detail. For example, I would have loved to see more development of the rift magic, and what each person‘s ability is actually able to do, but maybe this is a good segue into some character book series that branch off from this series.
August 6, 2022
So good!!!
I loved how the story moved throughout and how it ended. A few times I had to put the book down to stop the crying and ruin another pair of contacts. I read this book slower than normal just to relish it so it didn’t have to end so fast. Can’t wait for the next series!!
I loved how the story moved throughout and how it ended. A few times I had to put the book down to stop the crying and ruin another pair of contacts. I read this book slower than normal just to relish it so it didn’t have to end so fast. Can’t wait for the next series!!
November 6, 2022
Brilliant!
When I first started this series I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as Legacy and trackers books. But it drew me in and got better and better finishing with this dramatic ending in this book that I was on the edge if my seat for. A brilliant series that I'm so glad I decided to read. Honestly I loved every minute of it.
When I first started this series I wasn't sure I was going to like it as much as Legacy and trackers books. But it drew me in and got better and better finishing with this dramatic ending in this book that I was on the edge if my seat for. A brilliant series that I'm so glad I decided to read. Honestly I loved every minute of it.
March 2, 2023
Overjoyed
I loved this last book of the series. Again, the writing was incredible, the plot exciting and justice was truly served. My only regret was that I didn't get to see Elder Hallewel in a prison cell. Like all cowards he couldn't face the consequences of his actions. I cannot wait to read more of this authors works.
I loved this last book of the series. Again, the writing was incredible, the plot exciting and justice was truly served. My only regret was that I didn't get to see Elder Hallewel in a prison cell. Like all cowards he couldn't face the consequences of his actions. I cannot wait to read more of this authors works.
April 8, 2023
Dystopian and fantasy literature collide!
An enchanting blend of magic, corruption, and unconditional loyalty. I couldn’t put the series down. I read all three novels in the series in less than three days. A real page-turner! A must-read for anyone who loves a good dystopian plot with a lot of magic to move things along.
An enchanting blend of magic, corruption, and unconditional loyalty. I couldn’t put the series down. I read all three novels in the series in less than three days. A real page-turner! A must-read for anyone who loves a good dystopian plot with a lot of magic to move things along.
July 16, 2023
Fantastic End to this Saga!
I absolutely loved this book! The storyline came together beautifully! The characters were so well crafted I'm sure I would recognize them on the street. E. E. Holmes has mastered the skill of weaving the long story into a captivating three book series! I recommend this series and this book to anyone who enjoys seeing the downtrodden rise!
I absolutely loved this book! The storyline came together beautifully! The characters were so well crafted I'm sure I would recognize them on the street. E. E. Holmes has mastered the skill of weaving the long story into a captivating three book series! I recommend this series and this book to anyone who enjoys seeing the downtrodden rise!
April 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the action and the message in this series-reading all 3 is required and I couldn't put it down. There are certainly a lot of parallels in the history of our world and maybe a necessary wake up call needed for those involved in politics! Sometimes there is an overuse of similes and metaphors though.
July 24, 2022
Wonderful trilogy
EE Holmes continues to create amazing worlds that will take you in a roller coaster ride!!! I live immersing into her books universe and lose myself into their stories.
EE Holmes continues to create amazing worlds that will take you in a roller coaster ride!!! I live immersing into her books universe and lose myself into their stories.
July 31, 2022
Great series - great writer!
This conclusion to the Riftmagic trilogy had great twists. Loved it! I am looking forward to the continuation of her other series, as well! Keep writing, Ms. Holmes!
This conclusion to the Riftmagic trilogy had great twists. Loved it! I am looking forward to the continuation of her other series, as well! Keep writing, Ms. Holmes!
August 2, 2022
WOW
I loved this series, I could barely put this last one down,it was a nail fighter to be sure. I can't say more without running it for all the other readers, suffice it to say you won't be disappointed.
I loved this series, I could barely put this last one down,it was a nail fighter to be sure. I can't say more without running it for all the other readers, suffice it to say you won't be disappointed.
August 6, 2022
Awwww 🥰
An ending superb . Or is it a beginning? A very engrossing, tear jerker at times, tale. I felt the characters emotions rise and fall. I recommend this series. Kept my attention and thoroughly enjoyed.
An ending superb . Or is it a beginning? A very engrossing, tear jerker at times, tale. I felt the characters emotions rise and fall. I recommend this series. Kept my attention and thoroughly enjoyed.
August 10, 2022
Rift magic Saga Trilogy - don't miss it!
I read all three books in this series in three days. I just couldn't put them down! Holmes really knows how to develop interesting characters that make you want to follow through to the end!
I read all three books in this series in three days. I just couldn't put them down! Holmes really knows how to develop interesting characters that make you want to follow through to the end!
August 11, 2022
Couldn’t Put It Down
I loved everything about this series, and I especially loved this final book! It was suspenseful and witty and charming and daring all at the same time. I can’t wait to see what E. E. Holmes gives us next!
I loved everything about this series, and I especially loved this final book! It was suspenseful and witty and charming and daring all at the same time. I can’t wait to see what E. E. Holmes gives us next!
October 2, 2022
Gripping
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, and the last installment was just as gripping as the previous two. I had to fight myself not to skim ahead to see what would happen next. The very end had a small twist I did not see coming, too, which is rare. Very enjoyable!
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, and the last installment was just as gripping as the previous two. I had to fight myself not to skim ahead to see what would happen next. The very end had a small twist I did not see coming, too, which is rare. Very enjoyable!
October 9, 2022
This needs to be a movie!!!
Thus is one of the best series I have ever read! Well developed characters, a stirring and thought-provoking plot, intrigue and magic. It has everything!!
Thus is one of the best series I have ever read! Well developed characters, a stirring and thought-provoking plot, intrigue and magic. It has everything!!
October 16, 2022
Spectacular
I absolutely loved this series. Fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to see how their lives turned out. E.E. Holmes this was an all time favorite. Thank you for the adventure.
I absolutely loved this series. Fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to see how their lives turned out. E.E. Holmes this was an all time favorite. Thank you for the adventure.
January 8, 2023
Wonderful end to an amazing series! I enjoyed the second book the most, but the ending to this was very satisfying. She shares more of the antagonist's perspective in this one, which was interesting.
January 26, 2023
Abuse of power ended!
Excellent story of how the oppressed can empower each other by using their combined individual talents.
Riveting writing.....a serious page turner.
Lots of parallels can be drawn to recent power hoarders!!!
🤔
Excellent story of how the oppressed can empower each other by using their combined individual talents.
Riveting writing.....a serious page turner.
Lots of parallels can be drawn to recent power hoarders!!!
🤔
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews