Diane M. Haynes - Rift Healer

24. Rift Healer by Diane M. Haynes (2012)
The Forest Magic Series Book 1
Length: 293 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 26 June 2013
Finished: 4 July 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 31 May 2013
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and Diane M. Haynes is a new author for me.

Fourteen-year-old twins Haley and Lacey are looking forward to having a terrific summer. Spending time with their grandmother Clara in Bidwell, Massachusetts has always been a highlight for the girls. However, unbeknownst to Clara, as well as to most of the residents of the quiet town of Bidwell, Haley and Lacey have a secret that they have been keeping for approximately a year: both girls are actually magically-gifted students, being taught by Clara's best friend Giselle.

For the past fifty years, Giselle Westerfield has been the guardian of the forest, charged with keeping the balance between the magical and natural realms. She has been training Haley and Lacey, as well as Lacey's boyfriend Taylor to use their magic responsibly. But this particular summer is different. After a minor earthquake, the enchanted forest is disturbed; there are rifts that have been opened, spewing forth monstrous infestations that can only come from nightmares.

Giselle's great nephew, the Gifted Micah, as well as his distant cousin Selena arrive to assist Giselle in healing the forest. Much to Selena's consternation, Micah quickly identifies Haley as The One who will become his destiny. But after witnessing a terrifying display of Micah's Gift, Haley cools to his advances and unexpectedly discovers her own Gift - she can heal the earth.

Monsters, mayhem, and teenage angst follow the intrepid little group of defenders as they confront evil within the forest and an ominous prophecy that 'One Will Fall'. Will they heal the rifts in time? Can they save the unicorns? And is Haley truly destined to be with Micah?

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. The story was well-written and the characters were extremely likable. In my opinion, the plot was also fast-paced and exciting; although reading the book took slightly longer than I expected it would. I give this book an A+! and am looking forward to reading the sequel as soon as possible.

A+! - (96-100%)
         
May you read well and often