1. Essential Information
2. First Impressions
3. Synopsis
4. Critical Analysis
   1. Narrative Craft
   2. Thematic Depth
   3. Character Analysis
5. Impact and Significance
   1. Rating Breakdown
6. Overall Conclusion

Essential Information

• Title: Beyond the Rift (The Zoboros Series Book 3)
• Author: Micheal Ciccarelli-Walsh
• Genre: Fantasy with elements of Action & Adventure Fantasy
• Publication Date: October 2024
• Length: 505 pages
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: Ciccarelli-Walsh LLC

First Impressions

Beyond the Rift is the third installment in the Zoboros Series by Micheal Cicarelli-Walsh. I have really enjoyed this series that I found when the author reached out for a review with book one (Trouble in the Floating City). I went in curious to see where things went after the Zoboros found themselves on the run but still trying to be the heros. This book was a very twisty story that made me think I had everything figured out until the next twist hit me. I appreciated that the opening problem of the story is tied to the climactic moments and end of the story. The cover art is great and depicts a critical scene that takes the story in an unexpected direction.

Synopsis

In this gripping tale, the Zoboros team, assembled by Carmichael, faces their ultimate test of survival as they confront mythical adversaries and internal discord. “Beyond the Rift” explores the complexities of teamwork when the stakes extend beyond personal survival, challenging each member to choose sides and determine who they can trust in a world fraught with uncertainty.

The narrative follows Kano and his companions, now the most sought-after fugitives on their side of the rift. Desperate circumstances force them to seek assistance from the other side of this inter-dimensional barrier, which is both a shield and a potential threat. As the team embarks on the perilous journey through the rift—a voyage so dangerous that few dare to attempt it—Jayden’s mysterious past comes to light.

Amidst a landscape of both familiar and new foes, the Zoboros team is pushed to their limits, testing the bonds of their alliance and their individual resolves. The story weaves a tapestry of loyalty, survival, and the challenging dynamics of group decision-making in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Critical Analysis

Narrative Craft

Michael Ciccarelli-Walsh writes continues his descriptive writing style and accessible voice through Beyond the Rift. It’s a great writing approach for the young adult target audience and can make for a relaxing read in the older readers. The guiding style of the narrative ensures the reader is tracking the emotional and mental states of the characters as each new challenge appears. Once again, this is perfect for the YA reader, but others may find it too on the nose. Overall, Beyond the Rift carries on the Zoboros series in Michael’s open and welcoming voice.

There’s a good balance of pacing throughout the story. The scenes of action are interspersed with moments of reflection, though the characters don’t get many opportunities for that. On that note, the only thing I wish there was more of was a resolution or denouement for the book. We get an epilogue that ties up the closure for one major event, but the one that occurs right at the end of the main story doesn’t offer any character responses to what just happened.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Micheal’s stories is his world-building. My favorite parts in Beyond the Rift were the descriptions of the Del Clorans and their putrid world. I could feel myself cringing and gagging as the characters experienced the world and the other species. All the different species get great descriptive segments, but the Del Clorans stuck with me more than any other.

Thematic Depth

Beyond the Rift explores themes of purpose, identity, and teamwork. Many of the characters are struggling the purpose of their lives and their teams as they find themselves on the run. They each have their own starting ideas of how they and their teammates should act, but find that they may be no better than the others. The identity is a great theme for the YA audience, and still applicable to a wider adult audience as well. Beyond the Rift explores what it means to have purpose, and the different ways the characters find their purpose. The study of Kano and Mokoto’s relationship was a great example of finding purpose through different routes. It also brought up how we try to get those closest to us to subscribe to our same path because it’s working for us.

The one area I struggled with was the teamwork theme that was heavily introduced in the opening and closing of Beyond the Rift. The book opens with a clear problem within the team, but I felt like the path between the front and back covers didn’t quite hit everything I was hoping to see in that promise. There are moments at key plot points where it resurfaces, but it didn’t seem to be the true internal conflict for the characters. There is the approach to teamwork that the individual must be whole to allow the team to be whole, but it didn’t align in my mind with the opening promise.

Character Analysis

Since I’ve already brought up the overall team arc above, I’ll focus on some of the individual characters here. I’ll look at things pretty high level to prevent spoilers the best I can.

Makoto

Makoto was by far my favorite character arc in Beyond the Rift as he really comes into his own. This transformational arc takes him from an integrated outsider to a true powerhouse potential. If you’re looking for a character that you can connect with in a world surrounded by people with superpowers. The lesson learned with Makoto is to find your niche, and even you can teach someone with superpowers how to improve. I think Makoto’s arc is a great lesson for the YA audience and those of us who still feel like the oddball out in our later years.

Junior

Junior’s journey has been an extremely interesting one, and Beyond the Rift challenges him more than any in the past. I have mixed feelings about the conclusion of Junior’s arcs, but part of that is because I’ve loved the character so much. The events that he goes through in the third Zoboros book would push most people to extreme responses. Add an alignment of beliefs, and the end of his journey isn’t too surprising in Beyond the Rift.

The Jackal

The Jackal is a clear enemy that sometimes appears as a Frenemy. He’s a great antagonist that challenges a lot of the characters strengths and weaknesses. As you learn more about the Jackal, you’ll realize that everything is never as it seems.

Impact and Significance

Beyond the Rift wasn’t my favorite Zoboros installment, but it had it’s strength in clear plot points and a well structured story. Emotionally, I didn’t find myself as engaged throughout the middle of the story, but the opening and closing of the story were great! I think that can be a strength if you’re looking at the overall series so far, as it offered challenging moments, but the emotionally trying moments didn’t appear as often as they did in the previous installment.

I really enjoyed the scenes in the void and how Michael brought the characters back together in the end. The climax was well described and immersive up to the last moment. After finishing Beyond the Rift I’m curious to see where Michael takes the series and how the characters react to everything that happened. Beyond the Rift could be a great book for YA audiences already immersed in this world, but I’d highly recommend going back to Trouble in the Floating City if you haven’t read the other books.

Rating Breakdown

• Writing Quality: ★★★★☆
• Plot/Development: ★★★★☆
• Character/Argument Strength: ★★★☆☆
• Pacing: ★★★★☆
• Innovation: ★★★☆☆
• Overall: ★★★★☆

Overall Conclusion

While “Beyond the Rift” may not quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessors in the Zoboros Series, Micheal Ciccarelli-Walsh delivers a solidly structured adventure with compelling world-building and character development. The vivid descriptions of the Del Clorans’ putrid world and Makoto’s inspiring growth arc are particular highlights. Though the promised teamwork theme doesn’t fully materialize throughout the narrative, the strong opening and climactic finale bookend the story effectively.

Whether you’re a young adult reader or simply seeking an accessible fantasy that explores purpose and identity, this third installment offers enough twists and turns to keep you engaged—especially if you’ve followed the Zoboros team from the beginning.

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