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He Burns by the River
Author of The Princess of Thornwood Drive, Khalia Moreau, returns with a Cain and Abel retelling set in post-colonial Trinidad, in which family rivalry drives one brother on a desperate quest to save—yet possibly damn—his older sibling.
The Dead Live In Sapo. And They Will Claim A Soul, Come Hell or High Water .
When sixteen-year-old Roran’s saintly and light-skinned older brother falls ill in 1963 Trinidad, people in his village, Sapo, blame obeah. Blaming dark sorcery, the same kind believed to have sunk the southern half of Sapo thirty years prior, is ludicrous to Roran. He's a boy of science and his brother is just ill, albeit the doctors aren’t quite sure with what.
But when Roran hears the cries of those who died in southern Sapo, he seeks out Father Basdeo, a man rumored to have eyes that can see the living and the dead. Father Basdeo explains to Roran that Roran has the eyes on him, too, and only Roran can save his brother by communing with the spirits. He just needs to put his jealousy aside and risk the one thing most people in his village would never dare risk—having his soul trapped in Sapo’s sunken side.
A historical horror-fantasy set in post-colonial Trinidad, He Burns By The River explores themes of colorism and racism while incorporating folklore and culture unique to the Caribbean. And, it just might keep you up at night.
Come wade in the murky waters of Sapo, if you dare.
The Dead Live In Sapo. And They Will Claim A Soul, Come Hell or High Water .
When sixteen-year-old Roran’s saintly and light-skinned older brother falls ill in 1963 Trinidad, people in his village, Sapo, blame obeah. Blaming dark sorcery, the same kind believed to have sunk the southern half of Sapo thirty years prior, is ludicrous to Roran. He's a boy of science and his brother is just ill, albeit the doctors aren’t quite sure with what.
But when Roran hears the cries of those who died in southern Sapo, he seeks out Father Basdeo, a man rumored to have eyes that can see the living and the dead. Father Basdeo explains to Roran that Roran has the eyes on him, too, and only Roran can save his brother by communing with the spirits. He just needs to put his jealousy aside and risk the one thing most people in his village would never dare risk—having his soul trapped in Sapo’s sunken side.
A historical horror-fantasy set in post-colonial Trinidad, He Burns By The River explores themes of colorism and racism while incorporating folklore and culture unique to the Caribbean. And, it just might keep you up at night.
Come wade in the murky waters of Sapo, if you dare.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 4, 2025
Khalia Moreau’s He Burns by the River is a Cain and Abel retelling set in 1960s post-colonial Trinidad. With a blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror, the story includes themes of brotherhood, jealousy, and sacrifice, all against the backdrop setting in a Trinidadian village steeped in folklore and superstition.
The story follows sixteen-year-old Roran, who finds himself caught between his love for his brother and the dark forces threatening their lives. Amongst a supernatural landscape—where the line between science and sorcery blurs—Roran is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about power, loyalty, and his own identity.
I enjoyed the story, however, there were some issues with pacing and getting used to the language. Certain points felt rushed, while others left me feeling languid.
All in all a solid 3.5 ⭐️read that I would recommend.
I would like to thank Khalia Moreau for gifting me this ARC through The Nerd Fam.
The story follows sixteen-year-old Roran, who finds himself caught between his love for his brother and the dark forces threatening their lives. Amongst a supernatural landscape—where the line between science and sorcery blurs—Roran is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about power, loyalty, and his own identity.
I enjoyed the story, however, there were some issues with pacing and getting used to the language. Certain points felt rushed, while others left me feeling languid.
All in all a solid 3.5 ⭐️read that I would recommend.
I would like to thank Khalia Moreau for gifting me this ARC through The Nerd Fam.
February 25, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Cain and Abel retelling, and very rarely do I find myself reading a book set in Trinidad. I was excited to dive into this.
This is a tough one to review. I loved the overall premise and story but I felt there was a lot of dialogue that just dragged the story down. I felt bad for skimming through some sections because it was so rich. But the way it’s written, you have these sections that are intense with mysticism and kind of battle scenes (idk how else to explain it) then it slows to include some more backstory and character building. Real whiplash pacing imo.
I had trouble with the dialect in places too. But, that’s on me, not the author or how it’s written, I tend to have trouble when characters are written with a heavy accent or there’s a lot of regional dialect/jargon.
This is clearly Khalia Moreau’s love letter to Trinidad and its culture, which admittedly, I don’t know much about and kind of impacted my overall enjoyment. I’m not calling this a “meh,” I’m calling this a “maybe I should give this another shot in the future.”
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this ARC. Thanks NerdFam!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Cain and Abel retelling, and very rarely do I find myself reading a book set in Trinidad. I was excited to dive into this.
This is a tough one to review. I loved the overall premise and story but I felt there was a lot of dialogue that just dragged the story down. I felt bad for skimming through some sections because it was so rich. But the way it’s written, you have these sections that are intense with mysticism and kind of battle scenes (idk how else to explain it) then it slows to include some more backstory and character building. Real whiplash pacing imo.
I had trouble with the dialect in places too. But, that’s on me, not the author or how it’s written, I tend to have trouble when characters are written with a heavy accent or there’s a lot of regional dialect/jargon.
This is clearly Khalia Moreau’s love letter to Trinidad and its culture, which admittedly, I don’t know much about and kind of impacted my overall enjoyment. I’m not calling this a “meh,” I’m calling this a “maybe I should give this another shot in the future.”
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this ARC. Thanks NerdFam!
March 7, 2025
Thank you to The NerdFam, BookFunnel, and author Khalia Moreau for the gifted eARC!!!
He Burns By The River is a Cain and Abel retelling centered around two brothers, Roran (Cain) and Danny (Abel), in 1960’s Trinidad. Roran has lived his whole life in Danny’s shadow and when their rivalry comes to a head, Roran makes a choice that has tragic consequences. Roran struggles to right the wrongs of his decision, repair his family, and learn his own strength and power.
Themes throughout this story include good vs evil, the power of choice and sacrifice, the fragility of faith, and the strong bond between brothers.
I really enjoyed this read! Some things I enjoyed:
- This was a quick story, the writing was smooth, and the pacing was consistent.
- There was no spice in this YA story and I don’t think it was needed.
- There were some super creepy parts in this story that were really fun to read.
- I loved the scene between Roran and Nicole’s Grandfather.
- Queen Elizabeth, the cat, was a great addition to the story.
I gave this book 4 stars.
Some critiques for this story:
- Some scenes felt a bit rushed when they would have benefited from being flushed out.
- I wanted more of Roran and Danny’s Mother in the story since her choices and loss of faith deeply impacted the story.
- I struggled a little with the Trinidad dialogue format. It took me a bit to understand that “eh” could mean no. This could just be me, but it slowed me down while reading.
He Burns By The River is a Cain and Abel retelling centered around two brothers, Roran (Cain) and Danny (Abel), in 1960’s Trinidad. Roran has lived his whole life in Danny’s shadow and when their rivalry comes to a head, Roran makes a choice that has tragic consequences. Roran struggles to right the wrongs of his decision, repair his family, and learn his own strength and power.
Themes throughout this story include good vs evil, the power of choice and sacrifice, the fragility of faith, and the strong bond between brothers.
I really enjoyed this read! Some things I enjoyed:
- This was a quick story, the writing was smooth, and the pacing was consistent.
- There was no spice in this YA story and I don’t think it was needed.
- There were some super creepy parts in this story that were really fun to read.
- I loved the scene between Roran and Nicole’s Grandfather.
- Queen Elizabeth, the cat, was a great addition to the story.
I gave this book 4 stars.
Some critiques for this story:
- Some scenes felt a bit rushed when they would have benefited from being flushed out.
- I wanted more of Roran and Danny’s Mother in the story since her choices and loss of faith deeply impacted the story.
- I struggled a little with the Trinidad dialogue format. It took me a bit to understand that “eh” could mean no. This could just be me, but it slowed me down while reading.
February 27, 2025
This is an exquisite reimagining of the Cain and Abel myth set against the evocative, ghost-haunted backdrop of post-colonial Trinidad.
At the heart of the novel is the complex relationship between two brothers. Roran is forced to confront his own identity and heritage as he embarks on a desperate quest to save his saintly, light-skinned older brother, whose sudden and mysterious illness is blamed on dark magic. Roran’s journey of self-discovery, as he learns to harness his power by communing with spirits, is a moving exploration of how cultural roots can both bind and empower people. His struggle to overcome jealousy and resentment—exacerbated by family dynamics and personal loss—is handled with a depth that resonates so strongly.
The novel is a masterful blend of gothic vibes, historical fiction, and fantasy elements. This historical horror-fantasy deftly interweaves themes of family, racism, colorism, and the lingering scars of imperialism with rich Trinidadian folklore and mythology. Moreau’s prose immerses readers in a vividly detailed landscape that is palpable in each moment of dialogue and cultural nuance. I loved the authentic Trinidadian dialogue and the portrayal of community, where every character adds a unique thread to the story’s tapestry.
That said, the pacing can be a bit challenging at times. Flashbacks and memories occasionally pulled me out of the story because I was confused about what was happening and some resolutions felt rushed and unearned. However, these minor issues do little to detract from an overall reading experience that is both powerful and thought-provoking. What an exceptional YA story!
In short, He Burns By The River is a compelling, multilayered exploration of family bonds, cultural identity, and the struggle for redemption in a world still reeling from the legacy of colonialism. The author has clearly put her heart into this one and I am grateful for it. Moreau’s retelling is a beautiful, haunting testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of sibling relationships—a story that improves upon the original story by far.
Thanks so much to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
At the heart of the novel is the complex relationship between two brothers. Roran is forced to confront his own identity and heritage as he embarks on a desperate quest to save his saintly, light-skinned older brother, whose sudden and mysterious illness is blamed on dark magic. Roran’s journey of self-discovery, as he learns to harness his power by communing with spirits, is a moving exploration of how cultural roots can both bind and empower people. His struggle to overcome jealousy and resentment—exacerbated by family dynamics and personal loss—is handled with a depth that resonates so strongly.
The novel is a masterful blend of gothic vibes, historical fiction, and fantasy elements. This historical horror-fantasy deftly interweaves themes of family, racism, colorism, and the lingering scars of imperialism with rich Trinidadian folklore and mythology. Moreau’s prose immerses readers in a vividly detailed landscape that is palpable in each moment of dialogue and cultural nuance. I loved the authentic Trinidadian dialogue and the portrayal of community, where every character adds a unique thread to the story’s tapestry.
That said, the pacing can be a bit challenging at times. Flashbacks and memories occasionally pulled me out of the story because I was confused about what was happening and some resolutions felt rushed and unearned. However, these minor issues do little to detract from an overall reading experience that is both powerful and thought-provoking. What an exceptional YA story!
In short, He Burns By The River is a compelling, multilayered exploration of family bonds, cultural identity, and the struggle for redemption in a world still reeling from the legacy of colonialism. The author has clearly put her heart into this one and I am grateful for it. Moreau’s retelling is a beautiful, haunting testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of sibling relationships—a story that improves upon the original story by far.
Thanks so much to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
December 31, 2024
3.75/5 - Finished reading this a few weeks back and planned on posting a review once I recorded a video review but that didn't happen so I will update this with the video link later.
Thank you BookFunnel for providing me with an e-ARC of this book.
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, and that is really how I would describe my experience reading this book. When I first saw the cover for this book, I brushed it off as it didn’t really peak my interest. It wasn’t until Ina described the synopsis to me that a lightbulb went off in my head and I decided I needed to read this book.
I am not at all familiar with Trinidadian culture so to have a story that immersed me so deeply in it was fantastic. As you can surmise by the book description, this is a story about two brothers and the rivalry between them. But I truly think it goes beyond that. This book is about the love and bond between the brothers and the obstacles that threaten to shatter the foundation of their relationship.
I liked that the characters here were not perfect and weren’t afraid to admit so. As a matter of fact, some of them are even content with the reality of their humanity. This isn’t to say that they tout this humanity all the time, but the author managed to weave it into the story in an organic way rather than obviously trying hard.
Although I enjoyed the book, there were also things about it that I didn’t particularly love. At times it felt like we were jumping from point A to B to C too quickly when each point should have been fully fleshed out. The pacing of the book was great, but the jumps left a few plot holes that could have been avoided if the author had made sure to conclude certain things before moving onto the next ones. I also thought it wasn’t super clear that this was set in the 1960s until the latter half of the book so to readers going into this story completely blind this may be an issue.
Like I said before, this book explores Trinidadian culture and the effects of imperialism and colorism in colonized countries which I very much appreciate. But there were a couple of times where I felt that the author was throwing the kitchen sink into the story in an attempt to showcase this aspect of it.
All in all, I would recommend this book and would be open to reading more from the author.
Thank you BookFunnel for providing me with an e-ARC of this book.
”Father once said a soldier who kills for sport is more dangerous than one killing for a cause.
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, and that is really how I would describe my experience reading this book. When I first saw the cover for this book, I brushed it off as it didn’t really peak my interest. It wasn’t until Ina described the synopsis to me that a lightbulb went off in my head and I decided I needed to read this book.
I am not at all familiar with Trinidadian culture so to have a story that immersed me so deeply in it was fantastic. As you can surmise by the book description, this is a story about two brothers and the rivalry between them. But I truly think it goes beyond that. This book is about the love and bond between the brothers and the obstacles that threaten to shatter the foundation of their relationship.
I liked that the characters here were not perfect and weren’t afraid to admit so. As a matter of fact, some of them are even content with the reality of their humanity. This isn’t to say that they tout this humanity all the time, but the author managed to weave it into the story in an organic way rather than obviously trying hard.
Although I enjoyed the book, there were also things about it that I didn’t particularly love. At times it felt like we were jumping from point A to B to C too quickly when each point should have been fully fleshed out. The pacing of the book was great, but the jumps left a few plot holes that could have been avoided if the author had made sure to conclude certain things before moving onto the next ones. I also thought it wasn’t super clear that this was set in the 1960s until the latter half of the book so to readers going into this story completely blind this may be an issue.
Like I said before, this book explores Trinidadian culture and the effects of imperialism and colorism in colonized countries which I very much appreciate. But there were a couple of times where I felt that the author was throwing the kitchen sink into the story in an attempt to showcase this aspect of it.
All in all, I would recommend this book and would be open to reading more from the author.
March 4, 2025
This was amazing. It was my first horror fantasy, and I loved every single page. I picked it up because the first line of the blurb intrigued me—I mean, a Cain and Abel retelling set in post-colonial Trinidad sounded so cool. And I was right.
The setting is unique and fascinating, both for the history and the folklore. I loved learning about post-colonial Trinidad—its dialect, the racism among its people, and the Caribbean folklore and traditions, and how they endured despite Christian colonialism.
The characters are well-developed, realistic, and flawed. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Roran and Danny, and how it developed, despite everything they went through.
Every aspect of this novel was satisfying, and there’s little more I can say, except to pick up this book and read it all the way through to the acknowledgments. They offer an additional insight into the story that I won’t spoil, but it’s worth it.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The setting is unique and fascinating, both for the history and the folklore. I loved learning about post-colonial Trinidad—its dialect, the racism among its people, and the Caribbean folklore and traditions, and how they endured despite Christian colonialism.
The characters are well-developed, realistic, and flawed. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Roran and Danny, and how it developed, despite everything they went through.
Every aspect of this novel was satisfying, and there’s little more I can say, except to pick up this book and read it all the way through to the acknowledgments. They offer an additional insight into the story that I won’t spoil, but it’s worth it.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2025
So the main reason I needed this book was because it’s a Cain and Abel reimagining and that was SO intriguing! I can definitely say that overall I enjoyed this book so much!
It did take me a bit to get into the story but once I did I enjoyed it so much! It’s broken into three parts and I loved how the story progressed between them! And it’s very much a supernatural vibe/feeling to this book that I’m just obsessed with!
It’s more YA/NA than I typically read but I felt for this story it worked! I do think that I was hoping for more in terms of the Cain and Abel story but again this is more of a reimagining and not retelling so it does have more liberties taken.
I was gifted a copy for a review tour with Hiddenhollowbooktours
It did take me a bit to get into the story but once I did I enjoyed it so much! It’s broken into three parts and I loved how the story progressed between them! And it’s very much a supernatural vibe/feeling to this book that I’m just obsessed with!
It’s more YA/NA than I typically read but I felt for this story it worked! I do think that I was hoping for more in terms of the Cain and Abel story but again this is more of a reimagining and not retelling so it does have more liberties taken.
I was gifted a copy for a review tour with Hiddenhollowbooktours
March 1, 2025
It’s rare I get out of my comfort zone of fantasy and romance but when I do, I come across the most Interesting reads. He Burns by the River by Khalia Moreau is a Cain and Abel retelling set in 1930’s Trinidad. The world building is spot on in this book, as is the character development. This isn’t a very long book, but tit has heart and mystery that will keep you turning the pages. The brother, Roran, struggles with jealousy but he does love his brother and tries to save him from his fate, even though he contributed to his demise. The book is a wonderful additon to your library if you’re keen on diversifying your bookshelf and adding a new perspective. Overall, a very ineresting read and worth giving a shot.
Thank you Hidden Hollows Book Tour for the gifted copy.
Thank you Hidden Hollows Book Tour for the gifted copy.
March 3, 2025
Cain and Abel retelling meets Trinidad folklore, such an interesting combo!
This is ultimately a story of the difficult relationship between two brothers. There is a lot of discussion on colourism, academic pressures and generational trauma. I did think this was a little slow to start but definitely made up for it in the end.
It was interesting to learn a bit about Trinidad historically and culturally, this is Moreau's love letter to Trinidad and you can definitely feel her passion behind the words.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available March 11, 2024
Thank you to Khalia Moreau and MTMC Tours for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is ultimately a story of the difficult relationship between two brothers. There is a lot of discussion on colourism, academic pressures and generational trauma. I did think this was a little slow to start but definitely made up for it in the end.
It was interesting to learn a bit about Trinidad historically and culturally, this is Moreau's love letter to Trinidad and you can definitely feel her passion behind the words.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available March 11, 2024
Thank you to Khalia Moreau and MTMC Tours for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2025
I’m a Trinidadian and this is a no from me. I found this so hard to follow along.
March 7, 2025
Amazing!
Words can't describe the way I fell in love with the story, the culture, and the characters. The way the scale could've been tipped at a y moment is something we often deal with in our own lives and have a debate internally. But this? My goodness. Just what would you do when it comes to getting everything you want in life while also in the battle field of love and jealousy playing its messy hand in the situation. As stubborn as Roran was, that the love was always the winning factor in protecting and saving Danny. The saying goes blood is thicker than water hold truth with this story.
I loved being able to read about a different culture and even learning small tad bits from this book. Highly recommend as a good read for anyone ready to take a journey into this gripping book
Thank you Netgalley and Khalia Moreau for the Arc and a chance to provide an honest review
Words can't describe the way I fell in love with the story, the culture, and the characters. The way the scale could've been tipped at a y moment is something we often deal with in our own lives and have a debate internally. But this? My goodness. Just what would you do when it comes to getting everything you want in life while also in the battle field of love and jealousy playing its messy hand in the situation. As stubborn as Roran was, that the love was always the winning factor in protecting and saving Danny. The saying goes blood is thicker than water hold truth with this story.
I loved being able to read about a different culture and even learning small tad bits from this book. Highly recommend as a good read for anyone ready to take a journey into this gripping book
Thank you Netgalley and Khalia Moreau for the Arc and a chance to provide an honest review
Read
July 9, 2025He Burns by the River is a story of jealousy between two brothers. Set in 1963 Trinidad, it follows Roran, a mixed Indo-Afro boy who lives with his parents, sister Ursula, and brother Danny in the small village of Sapo. Strange thing always happen in Sapo and when his brother mysteriously falls ill in a turn of events Roran must tap into the power within the save him.
This book does a great job immersing the reader in the culture from the vernacular to vivid descriptions of local cuisine. She eases readers into the story painting a picture that feels very much like modern day. Blending mythology, politics, and spiritual practices He Burns By the River is an intriguing horror fantasy mix.
3.5
This book does a great job immersing the reader in the culture from the vernacular to vivid descriptions of local cuisine. She eases readers into the story painting a picture that feels very much like modern day. Blending mythology, politics, and spiritual practices He Burns By the River is an intriguing horror fantasy mix.
3.5
July 18, 2025
I was excited to read this as I’d never read a Cain and Abel retelling before, and it did not disappoint! The blend of history, horror, and folklore was seamless, and the writing pulled me in completely! The world was so magically crafted, and I loved the way Trinidadian folklore was woven in. My one gripe is that this was a bit slow-paced at times, especially the dialogue. But overall, this was still a great read.
December 24, 2024
Khalia Moreau delivers a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece with He Burns by the River, a chilling Cain and Abel retelling set against the vivid, evocative backdrop of post-colonial Trinidad. This novel is more than a story—it’s an experience that immerses readers in a world of family, folklore, and the fragile line between science and superstition.
Roran is a compelling protagonist, grappling with jealousy, loyalty, and a desperate need to save his brother despite the growing threat to his own soul. His journey into the depths of Sapo—both its sunken, ghost-haunted landscape and its intricate web of cultural beliefs—unfolds with breathtaking tension. The blend of history, horror, and fantasy is seamless, and Moreau’s prose is as lyrical as it is gripping.
The novel’s exploration of colorism and racism adds depth and nuance, painting a raw and poignant picture of a community shaped by colonial history. The cultural richness of Trinidad’s folklore, from the whispers of obeah to the spectral cries of Sapo’s sunken side, is vividly realized and deeply haunting.
The relationship between Roran and his saintly brother is the beating heart of the story. It’s layered with love, envy, and sacrifice, making their bond as captivating as the horrors lurking in the murky waters of Sapo. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is spine-tingling, and the moral dilemmas linger long after the final page.
He Burns by the River is a triumph—a story that weaves history, fantasy, and horror into a mesmerizing tapestry of culture and humanity. Khalia Moreau has created a novel that is both deeply unsettling and profoundly moving. If you’re ready to wade into the dark, mysterious waters of Sapo, this book is an unforgettable journey you won’t regret taking.
Roran is a compelling protagonist, grappling with jealousy, loyalty, and a desperate need to save his brother despite the growing threat to his own soul. His journey into the depths of Sapo—both its sunken, ghost-haunted landscape and its intricate web of cultural beliefs—unfolds with breathtaking tension. The blend of history, horror, and fantasy is seamless, and Moreau’s prose is as lyrical as it is gripping.
The novel’s exploration of colorism and racism adds depth and nuance, painting a raw and poignant picture of a community shaped by colonial history. The cultural richness of Trinidad’s folklore, from the whispers of obeah to the spectral cries of Sapo’s sunken side, is vividly realized and deeply haunting.
The relationship between Roran and his saintly brother is the beating heart of the story. It’s layered with love, envy, and sacrifice, making their bond as captivating as the horrors lurking in the murky waters of Sapo. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is spine-tingling, and the moral dilemmas linger long after the final page.
He Burns by the River is a triumph—a story that weaves history, fantasy, and horror into a mesmerizing tapestry of culture and humanity. Khalia Moreau has created a novel that is both deeply unsettling and profoundly moving. If you’re ready to wade into the dark, mysterious waters of Sapo, this book is an unforgettable journey you won’t regret taking.
June 27, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for the arc and gifted copy.
There is something so heart warmingly special about seeing parts of your culture represented in books and I got it in spades throughout this novel. There were so many instances of the language, locations, food, and culture authentically represented in this novel and shared in digestible amounts for the foreign gaze that I appreciated so much. There is also a 🔥 playlist at the beginning that finally helped me to understand the appeal of having them in books.
This is a historical horror-fantasy and retelling of Cain and Abel, set in post-colonial Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the story, there are themes of colorism, familial discontent, obeah, envy, and lots of Trinbagonian folklore. The appearance of these characters were one of my favorite parts of this story as I felt they added to the atmosphere and depth.
Throughout the story, we follow Roran on his quest to save his seemingly perfect brother from a cursed fate. But the story of these brothers are not as simple as it seems. Roran has spent his life in his brother's shadow, even within his family, and it is his rebelling against this secondary positioning that lands his brother in a cursed state. Even more troubling, is the fact that Roran has the gift of hearing and seeing spirits, but being raised in a household that largely does not believe in Obeah (Caribbean spiritual system), Roran does not possess the tools to understand or control his gift. There are a few reveals and twists in this story that unravels the secrets of the past and helps with answers in the present.
If you like stories that take you on a quest, features folk creatures, teenage angst, and mystery, then I recommend this one!
There is something so heart warmingly special about seeing parts of your culture represented in books and I got it in spades throughout this novel. There were so many instances of the language, locations, food, and culture authentically represented in this novel and shared in digestible amounts for the foreign gaze that I appreciated so much. There is also a 🔥 playlist at the beginning that finally helped me to understand the appeal of having them in books.
This is a historical horror-fantasy and retelling of Cain and Abel, set in post-colonial Trinidad and Tobago. Throughout the story, there are themes of colorism, familial discontent, obeah, envy, and lots of Trinbagonian folklore. The appearance of these characters were one of my favorite parts of this story as I felt they added to the atmosphere and depth.
Throughout the story, we follow Roran on his quest to save his seemingly perfect brother from a cursed fate. But the story of these brothers are not as simple as it seems. Roran has spent his life in his brother's shadow, even within his family, and it is his rebelling against this secondary positioning that lands his brother in a cursed state. Even more troubling, is the fact that Roran has the gift of hearing and seeing spirits, but being raised in a household that largely does not believe in Obeah (Caribbean spiritual system), Roran does not possess the tools to understand or control his gift. There are a few reveals and twists in this story that unravels the secrets of the past and helps with answers in the present.
If you like stories that take you on a quest, features folk creatures, teenage angst, and mystery, then I recommend this one!
February 22, 2025
“The other reason is that Sapo has an Energy. It was –is– a place where the lines between the living and the dead occasionally blur.”
It took me a few chapters to fully enter in He Burns by the River, especially because of the style and dialogues (English isn’t my language, and it can make any changes difficult to adjust at first), but I then got dragged into the story and found out it was a pretty easy read.
Roran is a very interesting character, and I loved to see him discovering who he is, and accepting it, as much as his heritage. I loved that idea about culture chaining us to a land/space, giving us roots that hold us as much as they help us grow and then emancipate. This grey area felt indispensable, as much as the grey layers in almost every character.
The story mixes History, Folklore, Spirituality and Personal Growth and I loved that path for Roran, as much as I enjoyed discovering many things new to me. That dive into folklore was truly one of my fav’ things here, even though I also loved the relationships between all characters, especially the romance that is truly important to the plot and its resolution –even if said romance doesn’t have a lot of “writing space” >>> it lingers in the unsaid zone.
I usually don’t read books labelled as horror, but felt pushed towards this one, and I absolutely don’t regret it. As a regular fantasy reader, it wasn’t too much or anything, and made this book a very interesting read.
Thank you to the author and hidden hollow books tours for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
It took me a few chapters to fully enter in He Burns by the River, especially because of the style and dialogues (English isn’t my language, and it can make any changes difficult to adjust at first), but I then got dragged into the story and found out it was a pretty easy read.
Roran is a very interesting character, and I loved to see him discovering who he is, and accepting it, as much as his heritage. I loved that idea about culture chaining us to a land/space, giving us roots that hold us as much as they help us grow and then emancipate. This grey area felt indispensable, as much as the grey layers in almost every character.
The story mixes History, Folklore, Spirituality and Personal Growth and I loved that path for Roran, as much as I enjoyed discovering many things new to me. That dive into folklore was truly one of my fav’ things here, even though I also loved the relationships between all characters, especially the romance that is truly important to the plot and its resolution –even if said romance doesn’t have a lot of “writing space” >>> it lingers in the unsaid zone.
I usually don’t read books labelled as horror, but felt pushed towards this one, and I absolutely don’t regret it. As a regular fantasy reader, it wasn’t too much or anything, and made this book a very interesting read.
Thank you to the author and hidden hollow books tours for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
3.5 stars
I’ve never read a story set in pre-colonial Trinidad before, so this was a truly fascinating experience.
At its core, this is a tale of two brothers—woven with sibling rivalry, folklore, and superstition—all wrapped in a fresh take on the Cain and Abel story. This unique blend of themes makes for a gripping read.
It took me a little while to adjust to the writing style and the characters, as this has more YA tone than I wished, but once I did, the story flowed like a wild stream. It brought me back to the kind of horror stories I grew up with as a child—the ones steeped in cultural traditions and religious undertones. This is more a reimagining of Abel and Cain story, rather than a retelling.
I also appreciated how the novel explores the “silliness” of superstitions and folklore—something I personally experienced growing up. It felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Beyond the supernatural elements, the book also tackles deeper themes like Trinidad’s struggles with colorism, racism, and societal hierarchy. It’s a multi-layered story that offers much more than just a chilling narrative.
The down points are the pacing and the wrapping up of the conclusion. There are parts that were dragging, thereby some scenes felt rushed. Still a solid book though!
If you’re looking for something different—something outside the usual “copy-and-paste” stories—then give this a shot!
I’ve never read a story set in pre-colonial Trinidad before, so this was a truly fascinating experience.
At its core, this is a tale of two brothers—woven with sibling rivalry, folklore, and superstition—all wrapped in a fresh take on the Cain and Abel story. This unique blend of themes makes for a gripping read.
It took me a little while to adjust to the writing style and the characters, as this has more YA tone than I wished, but once I did, the story flowed like a wild stream. It brought me back to the kind of horror stories I grew up with as a child—the ones steeped in cultural traditions and religious undertones. This is more a reimagining of Abel and Cain story, rather than a retelling.
I also appreciated how the novel explores the “silliness” of superstitions and folklore—something I personally experienced growing up. It felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Beyond the supernatural elements, the book also tackles deeper themes like Trinidad’s struggles with colorism, racism, and societal hierarchy. It’s a multi-layered story that offers much more than just a chilling narrative.
The down points are the pacing and the wrapping up of the conclusion. There are parts that were dragging, thereby some scenes felt rushed. Still a solid book though!
If you’re looking for something different—something outside the usual “copy-and-paste” stories—then give this a shot!
March 5, 2025
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. I didn’t totally vibe with the blurb, as I don’t do spooky things very well and thought it sounded a bit scarier than it really was when I actually read the story - so if you’re not into horror like me, don’t let the blurb deter you.
This story is so cool to me because there are so many great aspects. There’s some angst and love, family ties, community connections, and of course a huge tone of cultural knowledge and belonging. I really love historical fiction and this felt up the same alley since so much of this book is about the main character trying to do his best by his family and still learn how to conquer the environmental, racial, and social demons that are typically present in a historical fiction novel.
I think this story was really unique, adventurous, and honestly very fun to read. I didn’t have any points in the book that I was bored and I just kept wanting to read to make sure all of the characters were going to be okay by the end. It felt like this book wasn’t super high stakes as I trusted that each character would likely make it out alive by the end, but it was a really fun ride in the meantime to see how everyone’s adventures turned out. I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for something that deals with topics of culture intermixing into the story in a really knowledgeable and enjoyable way.
This story is so cool to me because there are so many great aspects. There’s some angst and love, family ties, community connections, and of course a huge tone of cultural knowledge and belonging. I really love historical fiction and this felt up the same alley since so much of this book is about the main character trying to do his best by his family and still learn how to conquer the environmental, racial, and social demons that are typically present in a historical fiction novel.
I think this story was really unique, adventurous, and honestly very fun to read. I didn’t have any points in the book that I was bored and I just kept wanting to read to make sure all of the characters were going to be okay by the end. It felt like this book wasn’t super high stakes as I trusted that each character would likely make it out alive by the end, but it was a really fun ride in the meantime to see how everyone’s adventures turned out. I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for something that deals with topics of culture intermixing into the story in a really knowledgeable and enjoyable way.
February 14, 2025
I enjoyed this one!
It took me a little bit to get interested in the story, but once I got about 30%-40% in, it really picked up. I liked learning about the Trinidadian setting, folklore, and historical elements and I appreciated how the book introduced me to mythology and cultural traditions that I wasn't familiar with. It took me a little time to adjust to the dialogue and writing style, but once I did, it felt immersive rather than challenging.
One of the strongest aspects of the book was the character development. Roran's struggles, jealousy, familial relationships, and supernatural experiences felt raw and real. The sibling relationships especially stood out to me- they were messy, complicated, and full of love, in a way that was very real and incredibly human.
While this book isn't a literary masterpiece, it is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. The pacing at the beginning was slow for me, but the imagery and emotional aspects of the story kept me invested. If you're looking for a book that brings a rich cultural setting to life, while touching on history, folklore, and the supernatural, this one is worth checking out!
Thanks to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and the author Khalia Moreau for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. He Burns By The River releases on March 11th, 2025!
It took me a little bit to get interested in the story, but once I got about 30%-40% in, it really picked up. I liked learning about the Trinidadian setting, folklore, and historical elements and I appreciated how the book introduced me to mythology and cultural traditions that I wasn't familiar with. It took me a little time to adjust to the dialogue and writing style, but once I did, it felt immersive rather than challenging.
One of the strongest aspects of the book was the character development. Roran's struggles, jealousy, familial relationships, and supernatural experiences felt raw and real. The sibling relationships especially stood out to me- they were messy, complicated, and full of love, in a way that was very real and incredibly human.
While this book isn't a literary masterpiece, it is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. The pacing at the beginning was slow for me, but the imagery and emotional aspects of the story kept me invested. If you're looking for a book that brings a rich cultural setting to life, while touching on history, folklore, and the supernatural, this one is worth checking out!
Thanks to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and the author Khalia Moreau for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. He Burns By The River releases on March 11th, 2025!
February 26, 2025
Thank you so much to Hidden Hollow Book Tours and to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When Roran's well-liked brother falls ill, the people of his village blame obeah, dark sorcery. But as a boy of science, Roran just believes his brother is sick, even though the doctors don't know with what. When Roran begins to hear the cries of the dead, he turns to Father Basdeo, a man who's rumored to be able to see both the living and the dead. Father Basdeo reveals that Roran has the same ability, and he must use that ability to save his brother.
I was really excited for this one - it has a very unique premise, and I loved learning about the Caribbean culture and folklore. Moreau does a really good job creating this dynamic relationship between the two brothers that becomes a focal point for the story.
One of my biggest issues with this was the pacing. It felt like it would drag for long periods of time, and then all the action would be crammed into small sections. There was also a lot of dialogue that felt unnecessary, which added to the feeling that the story was dragging at points. Additionally, Moreau touches on themes of racism and redemption, but they felt a bit underdeveloped and not fully explored.
Read if you like:
Sibling rivalry
Good versus evil
Love triangle
Resistant chosen one
Caribbean culture
When Roran's well-liked brother falls ill, the people of his village blame obeah, dark sorcery. But as a boy of science, Roran just believes his brother is sick, even though the doctors don't know with what. When Roran begins to hear the cries of the dead, he turns to Father Basdeo, a man who's rumored to be able to see both the living and the dead. Father Basdeo reveals that Roran has the same ability, and he must use that ability to save his brother.
I was really excited for this one - it has a very unique premise, and I loved learning about the Caribbean culture and folklore. Moreau does a really good job creating this dynamic relationship between the two brothers that becomes a focal point for the story.
One of my biggest issues with this was the pacing. It felt like it would drag for long periods of time, and then all the action would be crammed into small sections. There was also a lot of dialogue that felt unnecessary, which added to the feeling that the story was dragging at points. Additionally, Moreau touches on themes of racism and redemption, but they felt a bit underdeveloped and not fully explored.
Read if you like:
Sibling rivalry
Good versus evil
Love triangle
Resistant chosen one
Caribbean culture
March 4, 2025
This is a new favorite and makes me want to see what other Cain and Abel retellings there might be. Also to see what else Khalia has written because i really enjoyed her style!
At first I was really wondering if this was gonna be exactly like Cain and Abel where one keeps offing the other and being reborn for eternity since there was the chance Roran didn't overcome his jealousy but it was so much better and gripped me so tight.
I was not expecting the bad guy to be who it was since I also thought it would have been like a freak accident by another family or that Roran himself had truly done it on accident but nope, the person it was was surprising. Especially their reasoning for already having an I'll will to the family. Really the whole thing is based on jealousy in general and what lengths it can make people go but I'm glad Roran does what he does and learns.
I'm also glad that everyone ends up in a good place, I expected tragedy and was prepared for it, also for the parents to have a bigger role which I was surprised they didn't, but anyways, it was a great ending and very satisfying with just a hint of mystery as to what could happen if there was more to their story but I'm happy not knowing.
At first I was really wondering if this was gonna be exactly like Cain and Abel where one keeps offing the other and being reborn for eternity since there was the chance Roran didn't overcome his jealousy but it was so much better and gripped me so tight.
I was not expecting the bad guy to be who it was since I also thought it would have been like a freak accident by another family or that Roran himself had truly done it on accident but nope, the person it was was surprising. Especially their reasoning for already having an I'll will to the family. Really the whole thing is based on jealousy in general and what lengths it can make people go but I'm glad Roran does what he does and learns.
I'm also glad that everyone ends up in a good place, I expected tragedy and was prepared for it, also for the parents to have a bigger role which I was surprised they didn't, but anyways, it was a great ending and very satisfying with just a hint of mystery as to what could happen if there was more to their story but I'm happy not knowing.
February 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Augustine Books for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When sixteen-year-old Roran’s saintly and light-skinned older brother falls ill in 1963 Trinidad, people in his village, Sapo, blame obeah. Blaming dark sorcery, the same kind believed to have sunk the southern half of Sapo thirty years prior, is ludicrous to Roran. He's a boy of science and his brother is just ill, albeit the doctors aren’t quite sure with what.
It's 3.5⭐ rounded up.
The premise is good. I love the bromance between Danny and Roran, their dynamic, the perfect older brother and jealous little brother—yet they will burn the world to save each other because they can't deny the love they feel for one another.
The whole paranormal phenomenon is quite similar to where I'm from. The plot is promising but a little confusing, I feel like jumping from one event to another too fast. The twists wasn't smooth enough (or maybe I'm too slow to realize) but it's not bad.
Nevertheless, I enjoy the story, the chemistry between the characters, it made me care enough about them that I managed to finish it.
When sixteen-year-old Roran’s saintly and light-skinned older brother falls ill in 1963 Trinidad, people in his village, Sapo, blame obeah. Blaming dark sorcery, the same kind believed to have sunk the southern half of Sapo thirty years prior, is ludicrous to Roran. He's a boy of science and his brother is just ill, albeit the doctors aren’t quite sure with what.
It's 3.5⭐ rounded up.
The premise is good. I love the bromance between Danny and Roran, their dynamic, the perfect older brother and jealous little brother—yet they will burn the world to save each other because they can't deny the love they feel for one another.
The whole paranormal phenomenon is quite similar to where I'm from. The plot is promising but a little confusing, I feel like jumping from one event to another too fast. The twists wasn't smooth enough (or maybe I'm too slow to realize) but it's not bad.
Nevertheless, I enjoy the story, the chemistry between the characters, it made me care enough about them that I managed to finish it.
February 3, 2025
I just finished reading this book (hate that it ended so quickly), and I have to say, the author did an excellent job with story building. The world they created around Roran's village of Sapo is rich with culture, mystery, and an eerie sense of danger that pulls you right in. The story itself was captivating from start to finish, blending the supernatural with real human emotion in such a seamless way. Roran’s journey of discovering his own power, and the choices he faces to save his brother, made for an exciting and hopeful read. I also loved how the themes of jealousy, sacrifice, and family played out throughout the plot.
It’s a quick, satisfying read that doesn’t take long to get lost in, yet it leaves you reflecting on its deeper meanings long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story with heart, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, this is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks to Netgalley and Augustine Books for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
It’s a quick, satisfying read that doesn’t take long to get lost in, yet it leaves you reflecting on its deeper meanings long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story with heart, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, this is definitely worth picking up!
Thanks to Netgalley and Augustine Books for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
February 14, 2025
This book is a twist on Cain and Abel's story, where we follow Roran as he tries to save the fate of his brother, that he had an involuntary hand in jeopardizing. It's a tale of favoritism, jealousy, evil spirits, unexpected allies, and brotherly love.
Roran grew up living in the shadow of his brother, and it caused a lot of resentment, particularly when he suspected that his brother fancied the girl he loved. When Danny took a turn for the worse though, Roran went through several trials in order to save him, while not even being sure he could save himself in the process, but he never faltered. In the end, love was stronger than ill feelings, and all was well that ended well!
I really enjoyed this story and all the characters that Khalia brought to life. If you're looking into diversifying your library, and are curious about Caribbean folklore, then I absolutely recommend you give this book a try!
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours for the gifted copy!
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
Roran grew up living in the shadow of his brother, and it caused a lot of resentment, particularly when he suspected that his brother fancied the girl he loved. When Danny took a turn for the worse though, Roran went through several trials in order to save him, while not even being sure he could save himself in the process, but he never faltered. In the end, love was stronger than ill feelings, and all was well that ended well!
I really enjoyed this story and all the characters that Khalia brought to life. If you're looking into diversifying your library, and are curious about Caribbean folklore, then I absolutely recommend you give this book a try!
Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours for the gifted copy!
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.
January 7, 2025
A solid 4/5 stars. This is truly a love letter to Trinidad and so rich in the beliefs and magic there. I felt immersed within the town of Sapo and the people there.
This is a Cain and Abel retelling that I enjoyed far more than I originally thought I would. It touches on race issues in a way that grounds the reader into the experience of the little differences and micro aggressions that exist and POC face dealing with colorism all without it being the main issue driving the story.
Watching the MMC fight to save his brother without losing himself was really just done well. The character grew throughout in a way that felt genuine instead of just being thrown in without cause. I felt like I was rooting for him throughout in each problem he faced.
Overall will be recommending. It was a fast read for me but was something that will stick with me.
Thank you Nerdfam for allowing me to read this ARC :)
This is a Cain and Abel retelling that I enjoyed far more than I originally thought I would. It touches on race issues in a way that grounds the reader into the experience of the little differences and micro aggressions that exist and POC face dealing with colorism all without it being the main issue driving the story.
Watching the MMC fight to save his brother without losing himself was really just done well. The character grew throughout in a way that felt genuine instead of just being thrown in without cause. I felt like I was rooting for him throughout in each problem he faced.
Overall will be recommending. It was a fast read for me but was something that will stick with me.
Thank you Nerdfam for allowing me to read this ARC :)
February 27, 2025
𝐇𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 by @awkauthkcm is historical horror-fantasy set in post-colonial Trinidad. He Burns By The River explores themes of colorism and racism while incorporating folklore and culture unique to the Caribbean.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐨, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞
🔥 Sibling Rivalry
🔥 Love Triangle
🔥 Good vs Evil
🔥 Dreams
🔥 Folklore
🔥 Spirits/Obeah
Danny and Roran are brothers. In their village Danny is described as being red and is seen as special due to his lighter skin and hair. Things just always come easy to him, while Roran is always forced to live in his shadows., that is until Danny becomes sick and everything changes.
Roran's character was so unique and well developed. You could feel his love for Danny and his jealousy at the same time. No matter what though he goes to great lengths to save his brother. I loved watching him learn about his gift and to trust in it.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐨, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞
🔥 Sibling Rivalry
🔥 Love Triangle
🔥 Good vs Evil
🔥 Dreams
🔥 Folklore
🔥 Spirits/Obeah
Danny and Roran are brothers. In their village Danny is described as being red and is seen as special due to his lighter skin and hair. Things just always come easy to him, while Roran is always forced to live in his shadows., that is until Danny becomes sick and everything changes.
Roran's character was so unique and well developed. You could feel his love for Danny and his jealousy at the same time. No matter what though he goes to great lengths to save his brother. I loved watching him learn about his gift and to trust in it.
March 4, 2025
An absolutely amazing and delightful read!
I picked this book solely because of its cover and title, and I’m so glad I did. After months of not reading anything, this book reignited my love for stories. It pulled me out of my reading slump and made me genuinely happy.
I enjoyed the story and the horror plus fantasy elements compliments each other very well. I loved the overall story and plot. I loved the Roran's journey of self-discovery and his character. The portrayal of his character is my favourite. The gothic vibes are vibing in the book.
The gothic vibes? Absolutely on point.
While I adored the story and its themes, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. I also struggled a bit with the writing—not because it wasn’t well done, but because the traditional dialect took some getting used to.
Still, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. If you love gothic fantasy, you’re bound to enjoy both the story and its eerie, enchanting vibes!
I picked this book solely because of its cover and title, and I’m so glad I did. After months of not reading anything, this book reignited my love for stories. It pulled me out of my reading slump and made me genuinely happy.
I enjoyed the story and the horror plus fantasy elements compliments each other very well. I loved the overall story and plot. I loved the Roran's journey of self-discovery and his character. The portrayal of his character is my favourite. The gothic vibes are vibing in the book.
The gothic vibes? Absolutely on point.
While I adored the story and its themes, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. I also struggled a bit with the writing—not because it wasn’t well done, but because the traditional dialect took some getting used to.
Still, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. If you love gothic fantasy, you’re bound to enjoy both the story and its eerie, enchanting vibes!
March 6, 2025
He Burns By The River is such a vivid story. I am actively trying to read more books that follow other cultures and mythology and I’m so happy that I found this.
It did take a minute to immerse myself into the writing style but once I did I loved it.
This is a coming of age story as much as it is a fantasy novel. It feels reminiscent of a story that encapsulates a country at the height of a significant cultural shift. Roran represents the new and Nennen and Urs the old while Danny lingers somewhere in the between.
I found Roran to be a relatable character, especially if you’ve ever had any form of sibling rivalry and in the midst of youth a crush can feel life or death.
The fantasy and mythology aspects were fantastic. I would read this lore over and over again. Especially the character twists.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
It did take a minute to immerse myself into the writing style but once I did I loved it.
This is a coming of age story as much as it is a fantasy novel. It feels reminiscent of a story that encapsulates a country at the height of a significant cultural shift. Roran represents the new and Nennen and Urs the old while Danny lingers somewhere in the between.
I found Roran to be a relatable character, especially if you’ve ever had any form of sibling rivalry and in the midst of youth a crush can feel life or death.
The fantasy and mythology aspects were fantastic. I would read this lore over and over again. Especially the character twists.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed reading this so much, and I don’t know where to start. Moreau does an amazing job bringing the setting and characters to life, right down to the dialect worked in with the dialogue. The opening chapter, when we get introduced to the supernatural adversary, brings tension early, and I loved the way that eerie entity described everything they were thinking and seeing. The core of the story, of course, is two brothers, rivals, one who a shadowy entity has its eyes on. The way their environment and culture influence them is apparent, and while there is a rivalry, they clearly care about their family bond on some level, too. There really is a level of magic and belief that you don’t often find in many parts of the modern world, unless you know where to look. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path that will immerse you in a rich culture, then I highly recommend this!
March 5, 2025
This is a super intriguing Cain and Abel retelling set in post colonial Trinidad.
It follows the story of two brothers and is woven with folklore, sibling rivalry and superstition.
This is such a great read to immerse yourself in different cultures and lore, it’s got a very unique setting that you rarely come across in books. I found it so interesting to dive into the cultures of Trinidad and loved all the detail put into it.
I really liked the writing style and thought the plot flowed brilliantly, it was hard to put down. The dialogue was great and the descriptiveness helped paint a picture in my mind easily.
I thought the characters were very interesting, the chemistry and rivalry between characters was very well done. There was plenty of character development and personable moments.
Thank you to Hidden Hollow tours and the author for the review copy
It follows the story of two brothers and is woven with folklore, sibling rivalry and superstition.
This is such a great read to immerse yourself in different cultures and lore, it’s got a very unique setting that you rarely come across in books. I found it so interesting to dive into the cultures of Trinidad and loved all the detail put into it.
I really liked the writing style and thought the plot flowed brilliantly, it was hard to put down. The dialogue was great and the descriptiveness helped paint a picture in my mind easily.
I thought the characters were very interesting, the chemistry and rivalry between characters was very well done. There was plenty of character development and personable moments.
Thank you to Hidden Hollow tours and the author for the review copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews