Thank you Netgalley and Sky Turtle Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Rift” by Steven James is a haunting depiction of folklore, suspense, and Southern Gothic that follows seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Saughnessy as she navigates a world where ghost stories and legends aren’t just tales—they’re real, and they’re wreaking havoc on her life. Set against the eerie, atmospheric backdrop of Southern Appalachia, Rift explores the power of stories and the thin boundary between reality and myth, taking you on a chilling journey through supernatural horror and personal grief.

The story begins with Sahara grieving the loss of her father, for which she feels responsible. Living with her storytelling grandmother in a small Appalachian town, she works part-time at the local library, where she discovers a mysterious rift into a realm of folklore. Unintentionally, she unleashes entities from the other side that soon begin to pop up in her town. Faced with nightmarish manifestations from her own stories, Sahara must race to contain the chaos and confront her inner demons as she struggles with guilt and self-forgiveness.

James skillfully captures the sense of foreboding in the Appalachian setting, using elements like ghostly haints and local lore to build a creeping dread that permeates the book. The book initially focuses on Appalachian ghost stories, which I really enjoyed, but in an unexpected shift, the plot takes on elements of fairy folklore, introducing a separate otherworldly realm that broadens the story’s supernatural scope. This shift was a bit surprising to me as I was not expecting fairies at all based on the description, but it does add an additional layer to the lore and ramps up the stakes as Sahara confronts forces beyond her understanding.

Sahara’s character is both strong and relatable, embodying a “Gothic-lite” aesthetic and a fierce determination not to cower in the face of mounting danger. Despite her initial struggles with grief and guilt, she isn’t the typical teenage protagonist; her internal journey is complex and emotionally raw. Sahara’s voice remains authentic and likable throughout the book, balancing vulnerability with resilience, though some of her inner monologue can be a bit repetitive. Her battle isn’t just against supernatural forces but also against the emotional turmoil within herself, adding depth to her character arc.

The suspense in “Rift” builds gradually, with a bit of a slower start. However, once the supernatural elements come into play, the pacing picks up, blending moments of horror with Sahara’s reflections on her past and present. The book’s climax and twist provide an unexpected but satisfying setup for a sequel, leaving you intrigued by what lies ahead in the trilogy. I also really loved how the main focus/theme of the book is the power of storytelling, which is shown throughout the story.

Overall, “Rift” delivers an atmospheric journey into the supernatural that explores the thin line between legend and reality. Steven James has crafted a tale that will leave readers eager for the next installment, as Sahara’s journey is far from over.

From the beginning, it was creepy. I love the fear it instilled in me, it made me eager to read more. As i read more, the characters stood out each with their unique mannerism. I totally enjoyed reading this book, its my first Steven James book but I love it! The chapters flowed seamlessly, I enjoyed the fairy tale vibe it gave, the mystery in each chapter and how the characters came together to find out the solution to the wierd things happening. From the library, I realised the town had more in store for the MC and I was glad she didn't cower and went deeper to find solutions. It was a very fun read and from where it stopped i can guess there will be more fun and adventure in the second installment.

In the book Rift, author Steven James begins a new young adult horror trilogy entitled Rift. Seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Saughnessy is living with her grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains after the tragic death of her father. Sahara is wrestling with the accident that killed her father because she believes she is the cause of his death. As she battles her inner demons and struggles with her own emotions and reason to live, she discovers a rift between the physical and spiritual worlds. But what is real and what is in her head? And how will this emotional roller-coaster end? This is a great start to the series using mountain folklore stories and the emotions of loss, guilt, and redemption to weave a modern day teen story. What does forgiving ourselves look like? I would highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a YA and I have to say that it's a alot of YA. I believe that the younger audience will love this but it was not my cup of tea. I received a free eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

Haunting and atmospheric, this chilling tale gripped me and still hasn’t let go. I was completely captivated and flew through the pages as fast as I could.

I liked Sahara and really felt for her. She had a lot of regrets and blamed herself for her father’s death. But I thought she had a good heart and acted like a typical teenager. I loved her creativity and the way she told her stories. I liked seeing the genuine friendship between her and Cadence, and I loved the relationship she had with her Grams.

I really enjoyed the writing style. There was something so authentic about it. And I loved the almost eerie quality to it. The story really came to life.

I enjoyed the folktales and ghost stories. I was familiar with a couple of them, but they took some surprising turns. They were chilling! I got goosebumps on numerous occasions.

There was a brilliant twist that I didn’t see coming, even though I probably should have. It ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, which has me so anxious for the next book. It can’t come out soon enough! I absolutely loved this spooky tale and would give it more than five stars if I could. I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

The Rift Trilogy by Steven James is a haunting and evocative journey into folklore horror that masterfully intertwines suspense, Appalachian mystique, and the raw depths of grief. This new YA series follows Sahara O’Saughnessy, a seventeen-year-old grappling with guilt and loss after her father’s tragic death, as she is thrust into a battle with nightmarish forces unleashed by a mysterious rift into the realm of lore. When her own stories begin to manifest, Sahara must confront her inner demons while fighting to save her town from supernatural dangers she inadvertently set free.

James excels at creating an atmosphere that’s both eerie and deeply emotional. The Appalachian Mountains serve as a rich, atmospheric backdrop that adds a chilling sense of isolation, while the series taps into the region’s folklore to craft an otherworldly horror that feels visceral and real. Sahara’s journey is more than just a fight against supernatural forces; it’s a journey through self-forgiveness and resilience. James presents her grief and guilt with authenticity, making her battle feel as much internal as it is external.

The story’s pacing keeps readers hooked, blending moments of intense horror with intimate, heart-wrenching reflections. As Sahara delves into the secrets of the rift and the lore it unleashed, she’s forced to confront her past, pushing her closer to understanding her own pain and finding the strength to face it. James’s writing is sharp and suspenseful, capturing the tension between reality and the unknown with remarkable skill.

The Rift Trilogy is a captivating exploration of how personal anguish and mythic horrors intertwine, resulting in a series that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Fans of YA horror and folklore will find this trilogy to be a thrilling, emotionally charged ride that redefines courage and self-redemption in the face of supernatural darkness.

I requested this book because my daughter loved Steven James’ “Blur” trilogy, so I thought I’d try reading one of his other works. Unfortunately, I just cannot get into this. I realize it’s YA, but I have loved many other books in the genre. It reads a little too juvenile for me, and there are epic levels of angst, to the point where I had enough.

DNF at 32%.

I appreciate the eARC from NetGalley and Sky Turtle Nova. I am writing this review voluntarily.

Rift was a fascinating YA read! I found the story chilling and difficult to guess what was happening. The setting was creepy and the characters were amazing. I felt for Sahara and how she was grieving her dad's death. The story had so many twists and the ending was jaw dropping.

There were a couple minor things that I didn't love, but overall Rift was a very good read. I was shocked by one of the twists and can hardly wait until I'm able to read the next book, Portal, to see what happens next.

I recommend Rift to fans of YA supernatural/thriller/horror type books. A great read!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Thank you author Steven James and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Rating System:
1 star - I did not finish and will not pick it up again
2 stars - I did not finish, may finish sometime in the future. Was not interested in the story, was not enjoyable, or was poorly written.
3 stars - Finished the story, it was average, did not dislike or like it overall.
4 stars - I liked the story, it was enjoyable, would recommend.
5 stars - I loved the story, will recommend every time, and would even read it again.

Rift is the story of a teen girl named Sahara that lives with her story-telling grandmother after the tragic death of her father. While working part time at the library, Sahara discovers a rift into the realm of lore and now the entities from her stories have come to life. Now must race to stop them before they tear her life apart.

Trigger Warning: death of a parent and mild violence

First off, I am a lover of all different genres of books. This genre is a suspenseful YA thriller, and definitely has moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. I requested to read the ARC for this book because the summary was unique (stories/legends coming to life through a rift in reality) and the cover is hauntingly beautiful. The story was interesting from the start and I there was not a time that I was bored throughout the book. The pacing of the story was ok, with some parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. I do feel that it took a while to get around to the main point, but this is also the first book of a series and those often take time to build the characters and preliminary world. The author on occasion uses “big” words that aren’t really necessary and would not generally be used by someone the FMC’s age (ie: polyphiloprogenitive, which is used multiple times), but the voice and personality given to Sahara makes her likeable. The author did a good job of making the FMC not your typical overdramatic boy crazy teenager, and created a character of substance. The thrilling/suspenseful parts were entertaining without being horrifying and gave the spooky/creepy feeling without gratuitous gore. I finished the book wanting more of the story.

My rating for this book is 4 stars, and I’m really excited to read the next one!

This is my first time reading this author, and I'm so glad I did. The writing is captivating from start to finish. The main character, Sahara, is incredibly well-developed, and the author brilliantly portrays her emotions and struggles with grief, as well as her growth throughout the book. There are still many questions left to be answered in this series. Looking forward to the next book!

I don't know what magic Steven James poured into this novel but I was enthralled from the second I started. I finished the entire book in 2 hours, could not put it down for a second. Sahara, our FMC, takes us through this eerie, haunting, and unsettling story where nothing is as it seems. The folkloric atmosphere, the towns deep past, our FMC own tragic backstory. And a cliff hanger! I need the second book immediately. A spooky read, perfect for Hall0ween.

Have you ever wondered how fine the line is between reality and the obscure? Rift explores this concept in a very suspenseful and thrilling way! Sahara, the main character, tells us an incredible story littered with courage, guilt, and faith, while she struggles with her own personal loss. She is indeed a riveting character whom is easy to identify with as a reader.

I absolutely could not put this book down! The pages flew by and I kept wanting more! The storyline is super intriguing and the novel wraps up with a climactic cliffhanger! Truly an excellent YA novel and series beginner! I can not wait to read the next book in this trilogy! Thank you Net Galley and Sky Turtle Nova for the opportunity to review this ARC!

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from NetGalley, thank you so much for the opportunity. This was an interesting read, especially perfect going into spooky season. I hadn't read anything from Steven James up to this point, but to keep this spoiler free, I would read the next volume and would recommend it if you are looking for something new to keep you going during October!

I loved to read this book. Loved every single second of it. Rift is such a cool story. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a new author for me. This is a YA genre, I often read those because I find the stories interesting. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the very end. I was turning Pages so fast and enjoying this book and the supernatural element as well as the folklore element and all of the suspense. The ending is a great cliffhanger, and even though I am disappointed that it didn’t answer the questions I had, it definitely has me putting the second and third book on my list for reading! I liked all the characters, the setting of the book and the storyline and I highly recommend!

The cliffhanger... I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book from Netgalley. I applied for this book for the spooky vibes. As we head into October this was the perfect read to choose. It's a YA horror, ghost stories coming to life and a rift into another world. It starts off a little slow but once the action starts it doesn't stop. I loved the storytelling in this book and the links to folklore. And the cliffhanger, omg, I was kind of mad but it just means that I can't wait for book 2.

**Review of *Rift* by Steven James**

*Rift* marks an enthralling entry into the young adult horror genre, skillfully crafted by award-winning thriller novelist Steven James. This haunting tale intertwines folklore and the supernatural, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries of reality are tested and the darkest stories come to life.

The protagonist, seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Saughnessy, is a relatable and complex character grappling with themes of loss and guilt. Her discovery of a rift that opens into the realm of folklore is both a thrilling plot device and a powerful metaphor for the haunting nature of her past. As the tales she has shared with friends materialize in terrifying ways, Sahara is thrust into a race against time to confront the consequences of her storytelling and the shadows that linger in her life.

James masterfully blends heart-wrenching moments with chilling suspense, ensuring that readers are both emotionally invested and on the edge of their seats. The author’s ability to create an atmospheric setting in the haunted hills of East Tennessee enhances the novel’s eerie tone, immersing readers in a landscape steeped in folklore and mystery. The vivid descriptions transport you to a world where legends come alive, making the rural backdrop almost a character in its own right.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the fragility of the human spirit. Sahara's journey is not just about battling external horrors but also about confronting her inner demons and finding the courage to face her past. This duality adds depth to the narrative, transforming it from a straightforward horror story into a poignant exploration of growth and resilience.

The pacing of *Rift* is expertly handled, with moments of tension balanced by introspective passages that allow readers to connect with Sahara’s emotional struggles. The folklore elements are seamlessly woven into the plot, providing a rich tapestry of chilling tales that enhance the sense of dread and intrigue.

As Sahara navigates the consequences of her actions, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of fear, empathy, and empowerment. The climax is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers contemplating the lasting impact of stories and the choices we make.

In conclusion, *Rift* is a compelling addition to the young adult horror genre that deftly combines folklore, suspense, and emotional depth. Steven James has created an unforgettable journey that resonates with themes of loss and courage, making it a must-read for fans of horror and coming-of-age stories alike. Prepare to be captivated and chilled as you venture into the haunted realms of *Rift*!

This is an awesome book for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner, or even Fourth Wing series. Although it was classified as young adult, I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommend!