Book Review: Riftborne (The Esprithean Trilogy) by Bree Grenwich, Parker Lennox

Co-authored by BookTok sensations Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, Riftborne is the explosive opening act of The Esprithean Trilogy. Billed as Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games with a heavy dose of X-Men, this high-stakes New Adult romantasy delivers a dark, politically charged world where survival hinges on keeping secrets, and power comes with a deadly price tag.

If you love a fiercely protective found family, an incredibly slow-burning enemies-to-lovers arc, and a magic system that feels like a dark comic book come to life, this debut deserves a spot on your TBR pile.

The Core Concept

The story centers on Fia Riftborne, the child of defeated revolutionaries. Branded an outcast and forced to navigate a city dripping with deadly prejudice, Fia has spent twenty years surviving on three simple rules: keep your head down, don’t draw attention, and avoid the elite Sídhe Guard at all costs.

But Fia is harboring a volatile, rapidly growing magic inside her—a power that makes her a walking target. When a simple errand goes catastrophic and her magic erupts, leaving two noble daughters seemingly dead, she is caught by the enigmatic and broody General Laryk Ashford. Instead of sending her to the executioner’s block, the General offers a chilling ultimatum: join his elite unit of magic-wielders within the Sídhe Guard, or face immediate death.

Fia is forced to train under the very empire that destroyed her family and home, all while trying to master a chaotic power that could either save the Isle from the terrifying wraiths of darkness devouring the western border—or consume her entirely.

What Makes It Work

1. The “X-Men Meets Forgotten Realms” Magic

The magic system is one of the book’s absolute highlights. The authors have openly stated it was inspired by X-Men if it took place in a city like Silverymoon from Dungeons & Dragons. Rather than standard, neat fantasy spells, the magic here feels raw, physical, and highly individualized. Seeing Fia learn to harness her unpredictable, “Dark Phoenix”-esque abilities alongside a ragtag group of other trainees creates a fantastic, action-packed training-academy atmosphere.

2. A Compelling Found Family & Strong Friendships

While the romance gets a lot of the spotlight, the platonic relationships carry immense weight. Fia’s bond with her best friend, Osta, and the slow-won trust and camaraderie she builds with her fellow trainees provide a brilliant emotional anchor. In a world full of betrayals and political maneuvering, these fiercely loyal friendships offer much-needed warmth.

3. The Atmosphere & World-Building

Grenwich and Lennox excel at building a gritty, tense environment. The city’s prejudice against the “Riftborne” outcasts feels palpable and dangerous, raising the stakes of every scene. The looming threat of the shadow-wraiths on the border injects the overarching plot with a constant sense of urgency.

The Critical Nuance

Riftborne is a highly entertaining ride, but it does lean heavily on established romantasy tropes.

• The Romance Dynamic: General Laryk Ashford is your classic morally gray, cold-bloodedly striking, dark, and broody commander. The romantic dynamic is an ultra-slow burn—so slow that the romance doesn’t truly ignite until the final stretch of the book.
• Character Naivety: Some readers note that while Fia is a deeply likable and powerful protagonist, her emotional vulnerability can occasionally make her naive or overly trusting, making her a target for the vipers in the political court.
• Pacing: The book features a stellar, gripping opening and a massive, twist-filled cliffhanger ending that sets up the sequel (Duskbound) perfectly. However, the middle section slows down considerably to focus heavily on training sequences and court politics.

The Verdict

Final Score: 3.8 / 5 Stars

Riftborne is a fantastic, addictive debut for anyone who loves the “forced into the commander’s elite army” trope. It brilliantly balances comic-book-style action with New Adult political intrigue. While it takes its time building the romantic tension, the shocking final twists and incredible character growth ensure you’ll be reaching for book two immediately.