I don't know how she does it, but Eileen Mueller's series Riders of Fire keeps getting better and better! Building on the world set up in Ezaara and Dragon Hero, Dragon Rift continues where the previous books left off. Tomaaz and Roberto have been away in Death Valley, when Tomaaz arrives back at Dragon Hold, barely alive and with news that Roberto is a prisoner of Zens. Due to Spymaster Tonio's hatred of Roberto's father, Roberto spends nearly the entire book as a captive, while Ezaara, Adelina, and others propose various rescue attempts.

The mages also take center stage in Dragon Rift, as we learn about their decades-long quarrel with the dragon riders. Kierion, a mischievous, young, dragon rider hopeful reconnects with his old friend, Fenni, who is facing his mage trials. Together, they remind both the mages and dragon riders that they can be stronger together. The theme of uniting and putting aside misunderstandings and past hurts for the good of the realm runs through the entire book. Mages and riders. Archers and soldiers. Even counsel member and counsel member. Prejudices run deep, but only by overcoming them can Dragons' Hold take a stand against Zens.

We also get our first glimpse at how Zens became the villain who strikes fear across Dragons' Realm. His childhood was difficult and his thirst for power and revenge is much larger than it seemed in the first two books. Yet, in the midst of an uncertain future, there is celebration and life. We get to watch the mage trials, the dragon races, and a hand-fasting ceremony.

And in the end, our beloved riders are moving forward, not giving up, not giving in to despair, but more determined than ever to defeat Zens and to live! ( )