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And the River Drags Her Down
She has always known the rules – never resurrect anything larger than the palm of her hand, but that was before her sister died. A chilling, compulsive exploration of sisterhood, loss, and revenge.
"Yun beautifully captures the haunting of family myths in this slow-burn horror. Eerie and poignant, And The River Drags Her Down will sweep readers into its relentless current."
- Trang Thanh Tran, New York Times bestselling author of She Is a Haunting
When her older sister is found mysteriously drowned in the river that cuts through their small coastal town, Soojin Han disregards every rule and uses her ancestral magic to bring Mirae back from the dead. At first, the sisters are overjoyed, reveling in late-night escapades and the miracle of being together again, but Mirae grows tired of hiding from the world. She becomes restless and hungry . . .
Driven by an insatiable desire to finish what she started in life, to unravel the truth that crushed her family so many years ago, Mirae is out for revenge.
When their town is engulfed by increasingly destructive rain and a series of harrowing, unusual deaths, Soojin is forced to reckon with the fact that perhaps the sister she brought back isn’t the one she knew.
"Yun beautifully captures the haunting of family myths in this slow-burn horror. Eerie and poignant, And The River Drags Her Down will sweep readers into its relentless current."
- Trang Thanh Tran, New York Times bestselling author of She Is a Haunting
When her older sister is found mysteriously drowned in the river that cuts through their small coastal town, Soojin Han disregards every rule and uses her ancestral magic to bring Mirae back from the dead. At first, the sisters are overjoyed, reveling in late-night escapades and the miracle of being together again, but Mirae grows tired of hiding from the world. She becomes restless and hungry . . .
Driven by an insatiable desire to finish what she started in life, to unravel the truth that crushed her family so many years ago, Mirae is out for revenge.
When their town is engulfed by increasingly destructive rain and a series of harrowing, unusual deaths, Soojin is forced to reckon with the fact that perhaps the sister she brought back isn’t the one she knew.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2025
148 people are currently reading
12183 people want to read
About the author
Jihyun Yun
2 books162 followersJihyun Yun is a Korean American author from the the San Francisco Bay Area. Her debut collection SOME ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY won the 2019 Prairie Schooner Prize and was published by the University of Nebraska Press in September 2020. Her debut young adult novel AND THE RIVER DRAGS HER DOWN will be published by Knopf BFYR (US) and Rock the Boat (UK) in fall of 2025.
Her work has been published in Best New Poets, Narrative Magazine, Adroit and elsewhere. She currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Her work has been published in Best New Poets, Narrative Magazine, Adroit and elsewhere. She currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
October 12, 2025
I love it when a stunning cover leads me to a stunning story. This was the kind of hard-hitting YA that I rarely find anymore, made perfect with painful explorations of grief and loneliness and super intriguing plot elements like casual necromancy and water horror.
17-year-old Soojin Han is no stranger to death and while she is used to simply resurrecting her pet rat every time it dies, things are not as easy with her dead mother and sister. Soojin was told all her life to never bring back something that's bigger than a small animal, and so she has the power of life in her hands and is still surrounded by death. The book is very grief-heavy right from the start and has a tense atmosphere throughout. Soojin often reflects on her losses in heartbreaking scenes that almost made me cry. At the same time she is a character who is not really familiar with the concept of letting go and moving on, because her power usually allows her to cheat death. Her world still seems devoid of all happiness and in the beginning it was remarkably well shown how Soojin was at the darkest point in her life. It's easy to condemn a character when they end up doing something that they were always warned about, but that did not happen here. I could understand her completely when she eventually tried to resurrect her sister Mirae as it seemed like the only way out of her situation. Soojin manages to bring her sister back and she couldn't be happier about it, but some things are off about Mirae. She can't remember her own name and she's always ravenous and now strangely connected to the water that once killed her. The sisters try to go on with their everyday lives and the book also shows some ordinary teen moments, but I had the constant feeling that everything was leading up to disaster. I was hooked from the beginning, but the second half of the book got even more intense and grim. The water horror was one of my favorite parts of the story, but be aware that the book is overall more rooted in reality than in fantasy. There are paranormal elements and they are integral to the story, but I still wouldn't describe this as a YA fantasy novel. It was more grounded and character-focused, with every single character really going through it. We mainly follow Soojin, but there are multiple other POVs and eventually we get to know the complicated pasts of many different people and the history of the entire town. The book could have been a little shorter for my liking, but the writing was very strong and often lyrical and it always had me gripped. I will definitely keep an eye out for future releases by Jihyun Yun, because this was absolutely fantastic in my opinion and I would love to read more from this author.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
17-year-old Soojin Han is no stranger to death and while she is used to simply resurrecting her pet rat every time it dies, things are not as easy with her dead mother and sister. Soojin was told all her life to never bring back something that's bigger than a small animal, and so she has the power of life in her hands and is still surrounded by death. The book is very grief-heavy right from the start and has a tense atmosphere throughout. Soojin often reflects on her losses in heartbreaking scenes that almost made me cry. At the same time she is a character who is not really familiar with the concept of letting go and moving on, because her power usually allows her to cheat death. Her world still seems devoid of all happiness and in the beginning it was remarkably well shown how Soojin was at the darkest point in her life. It's easy to condemn a character when they end up doing something that they were always warned about, but that did not happen here. I could understand her completely when she eventually tried to resurrect her sister Mirae as it seemed like the only way out of her situation. Soojin manages to bring her sister back and she couldn't be happier about it, but some things are off about Mirae. She can't remember her own name and she's always ravenous and now strangely connected to the water that once killed her. The sisters try to go on with their everyday lives and the book also shows some ordinary teen moments, but I had the constant feeling that everything was leading up to disaster. I was hooked from the beginning, but the second half of the book got even more intense and grim. The water horror was one of my favorite parts of the story, but be aware that the book is overall more rooted in reality than in fantasy. There are paranormal elements and they are integral to the story, but I still wouldn't describe this as a YA fantasy novel. It was more grounded and character-focused, with every single character really going through it. We mainly follow Soojin, but there are multiple other POVs and eventually we get to know the complicated pasts of many different people and the history of the entire town. The book could have been a little shorter for my liking, but the writing was very strong and often lyrical and it always had me gripped. I will definitely keep an eye out for future releases by Jihyun Yun, because this was absolutely fantastic in my opinion and I would love to read more from this author.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
A lyrical, eerie dive into grief, sisterhood, and the dangerous magic of not letting go.
I’ve read my fair share of YA horror and magical realism, but And the River Drags Her Down swept me into its depths in a way I didn’t expect. This isn’t your typical “raise the dead” tale. It’s tender, terrifying, slow-burning, and steeped in the quiet ache of longing—for connection, for answers, for one more moment with the person you’ve lost.
Soojin’s story unfolds like a haunting lullaby, quiet and melodic, with sudden jolts that leave you breathless. After her sister Mirae’s mysterious drowning, Soojin reaches for the one thing that has always been forbidden in her family’s legacy of necromancy: bringing back a human. Of course she breaks the rule. Of course she can’t let go. She’s not just a girl mourning her sister—she’s someone drowning in the weight of silence, secrets, and generational grief.
And when Mirae returns… she’s not the same.
What I loved most was the emotional complexity layered beneath the horror. Yes, there’s dark magic and atmospheric tension—a rain-drenched coastal town, a family-run B&B haunted by memories, whispers of ancestral power—but the heart of this novel beats loudest in the tender, tangled bond between sisters. Soojin’s desperation feels real. Her decisions, even when flawed, feel deeply human. And Mirae’s slow unraveling is as heartbreaking as it is chilling.
The pacing is deliberately slow at times, which may not work for everyone, but I appreciated the space it gave for reflection and emotional buildup. It’s less jump-scare horror, more creeping dread—the kind that settles under your skin. I also loved the incorporation of Korean cultural elements and the way it tackled racism and isolation in small-town America without ever feeling forced or preachy. The writing is lush and evocative, filled with poignant metaphors and imagery that lingers.
The supporting characters—especially Soojin’s father and friend Mark—added depth, and while I wished we had more insight into Mirae’s perspective, the multiple POVs kept the tension tight and the emotions raw.
This is a story about resurrection—but not just of bodies. Of old wounds. Of unspoken truths. Of the pain we bury and the love that refuses to die.
A beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that balances horror and heart with remarkable grace. It didn’t just spook me—it moved me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — a gorgeously crafted tale that reminds us how far we’ll go for the people we love, even if it means losing ourselves along the way.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this unforgettable, genre-blending mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I’ve read my fair share of YA horror and magical realism, but And the River Drags Her Down swept me into its depths in a way I didn’t expect. This isn’t your typical “raise the dead” tale. It’s tender, terrifying, slow-burning, and steeped in the quiet ache of longing—for connection, for answers, for one more moment with the person you’ve lost.
Soojin’s story unfolds like a haunting lullaby, quiet and melodic, with sudden jolts that leave you breathless. After her sister Mirae’s mysterious drowning, Soojin reaches for the one thing that has always been forbidden in her family’s legacy of necromancy: bringing back a human. Of course she breaks the rule. Of course she can’t let go. She’s not just a girl mourning her sister—she’s someone drowning in the weight of silence, secrets, and generational grief.
And when Mirae returns… she’s not the same.
What I loved most was the emotional complexity layered beneath the horror. Yes, there’s dark magic and atmospheric tension—a rain-drenched coastal town, a family-run B&B haunted by memories, whispers of ancestral power—but the heart of this novel beats loudest in the tender, tangled bond between sisters. Soojin’s desperation feels real. Her decisions, even when flawed, feel deeply human. And Mirae’s slow unraveling is as heartbreaking as it is chilling.
The pacing is deliberately slow at times, which may not work for everyone, but I appreciated the space it gave for reflection and emotional buildup. It’s less jump-scare horror, more creeping dread—the kind that settles under your skin. I also loved the incorporation of Korean cultural elements and the way it tackled racism and isolation in small-town America without ever feeling forced or preachy. The writing is lush and evocative, filled with poignant metaphors and imagery that lingers.
The supporting characters—especially Soojin’s father and friend Mark—added depth, and while I wished we had more insight into Mirae’s perspective, the multiple POVs kept the tension tight and the emotions raw.
This is a story about resurrection—but not just of bodies. Of old wounds. Of unspoken truths. Of the pain we bury and the love that refuses to die.
A beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that balances horror and heart with remarkable grace. It didn’t just spook me—it moved me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — a gorgeously crafted tale that reminds us how far we’ll go for the people we love, even if it means losing ourselves along the way.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this unforgettable, genre-blending mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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May 14, 2025Dear readers,
Now that RIVER is available to request on Netgalley for early reviewers, I thought I would make a stop here to drop a brief line and some trigger warnings before leaving this page, as it should be, for readers.
First, thank you so much to everyone who spends time with the characters in these pages. Like so many authors debuting right now, I began writing RIVER in 2020 during a time of both acute isolation and communal grief. Navigating both of these feelings through the actions and mistakes of my main character Soojin taught me so much about the dangers of taking the boundless haunting of grief and trying to bury rather than address it. I hope you love these messy, tender-hearted characters as much as I do.
This book can be a heavy read. If you like to go into a book prepared, here are trigger warnings: death of a sibling and parent. Violence against bodies, both human and animal. Parentification.
And with that, I'll exit this space so everyone can feel comfortable to review this book honestly! I will not be engaging with any reviews or comments on Goodreads, but I can be found on Instagram or contacted via my website.
This book, in all ways, is yours now. Thank you for being here <3
Jihyun Yun
Now that RIVER is available to request on Netgalley for early reviewers, I thought I would make a stop here to drop a brief line and some trigger warnings before leaving this page, as it should be, for readers.
First, thank you so much to everyone who spends time with the characters in these pages. Like so many authors debuting right now, I began writing RIVER in 2020 during a time of both acute isolation and communal grief. Navigating both of these feelings through the actions and mistakes of my main character Soojin taught me so much about the dangers of taking the boundless haunting of grief and trying to bury rather than address it. I hope you love these messy, tender-hearted characters as much as I do.
This book can be a heavy read. If you like to go into a book prepared, here are trigger warnings: death of a sibling and parent. Violence against bodies, both human and animal. Parentification.
And with that, I'll exit this space so everyone can feel comfortable to review this book honestly! I will not be engaging with any reviews or comments on Goodreads, but I can be found on Instagram or contacted via my website.
This book, in all ways, is yours now. Thank you for being here <3
Jihyun Yun
October 19, 2025
4,5 ⭐ rounded up because firstly, it’s a debut novel and I still find that hard to believe; secondly, this being a YA horror is just a smidgen of the truth; and finally, I’m still trying to blink away tears.
Take Korean folklore of mul gwisin (or water ghost), necromancy magic as a Han family heirloom passed down to the women, the atmospheric setting of a small town, and you have the perfect spooky vibes for the spooky season. It’s just the bare bones of the story, though.
Because the unseen protagonists of And The River Drags Her Down are grief and intense yearning for something you’ll never get back, starring in the story of how loss can warp people into unrecognizable beings, while still being painfully human. It’s also a tale of sisterhood, of familial love so fierce it’s ready to burn everything to ash. And finally, of retribution from beyond the grave.
Soojin Han has been struggling - first, her family lost their mom, and now it’s been a few months since her older sister Mirae’s drowning. And in the moment of all-consuming desperation, Soojin does what her mother always cautioned against - she tries to revive something much bigger than a small animal.
Soojin wasn’t a very likable character, her grief and loneliness manifesting as angry, sharp thorns ready to protect her against any slight - especially against worry or care others try to show her. Being in her head wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t meant to be.
Most of all, I loved how it’s not just Soojin’s story, but also Mirae’s, the sister who was forced to grow up after their mother’s death, to become the sole emotional anchor for everyone but herself. Together with all the side characters who got their own voice and could tell their stories, this book created a complex and immersive narrative that left an impact.
”What does that make me, Mark? That I can love somebody and still wish them pain, just so I’m not alone with mine?”
A soft rustling beside her, and a hand cupped her cheek.
“Human,” he said, directing her face so she turned toward him. “It makes you human.”
Mark Moon, I can’t help but mention you. You stole my heart with how affectionate and patient, and altogether great a friend you are.
Bentley Porter... I was determined to despise you, and by the end, I cried for you. I honestly wish you all the best.
And Soojin’s relationship with her father had me in a choke-hold. It was very strained at first, both survivors yet strangers to each other. But my god, when they finally managed to talk, it brought me to tears. Especially because it was clear they’re cut from the same cloth, and communication is hard for them both.
When it comes to the writing, it’s simply stunning, immediately sinking its hooks into you and dragging you deep in. At first, the shifting POV (in third person) within a chapter, and the hopping between past and present, were a bit jarring, but once I got used to it, the flow became seamless.
It would honestly look incredible on a big screen as a hard-hitting folk horror movie - because yes, some of those water-based body horror scenes were nauseating and creepy. I loved it 🖤
'His gaping mouth pooled with brackish water, dark with silt. And from it a white lotus grew, its stem thrust up his esophagus. Flower of renewal. Flower of rot. Its petals were just beginning to open. When it bloomed, a single blue eye darted wildly where the stamen should have been.'
I can’t wait for more stories by Jihyun Yun, my attention and anticipation are hers!
Huge thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an e-ARC! And The River Drags Her Down is out now.
Take Korean folklore of mul gwisin (or water ghost), necromancy magic as a Han family heirloom passed down to the women, the atmospheric setting of a small town, and you have the perfect spooky vibes for the spooky season. It’s just the bare bones of the story, though.
Because the unseen protagonists of And The River Drags Her Down are grief and intense yearning for something you’ll never get back, starring in the story of how loss can warp people into unrecognizable beings, while still being painfully human. It’s also a tale of sisterhood, of familial love so fierce it’s ready to burn everything to ash. And finally, of retribution from beyond the grave.
Soojin Han has been struggling - first, her family lost their mom, and now it’s been a few months since her older sister Mirae’s drowning. And in the moment of all-consuming desperation, Soojin does what her mother always cautioned against - she tries to revive something much bigger than a small animal.
Soojin wasn’t a very likable character, her grief and loneliness manifesting as angry, sharp thorns ready to protect her against any slight - especially against worry or care others try to show her. Being in her head wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t meant to be.
Most of all, I loved how it’s not just Soojin’s story, but also Mirae’s, the sister who was forced to grow up after their mother’s death, to become the sole emotional anchor for everyone but herself. Together with all the side characters who got their own voice and could tell their stories, this book created a complex and immersive narrative that left an impact.
”What does that make me, Mark? That I can love somebody and still wish them pain, just so I’m not alone with mine?”
A soft rustling beside her, and a hand cupped her cheek.
“Human,” he said, directing her face so she turned toward him. “It makes you human.”
Mark Moon, I can’t help but mention you. You stole my heart with how affectionate and patient, and altogether great a friend you are.
Bentley Porter... I was determined to despise you, and by the end, I cried for you. I honestly wish you all the best.
And Soojin’s relationship with her father had me in a choke-hold. It was very strained at first, both survivors yet strangers to each other. But my god, when they finally managed to talk, it brought me to tears. Especially because it was clear they’re cut from the same cloth, and communication is hard for them both.
When it comes to the writing, it’s simply stunning, immediately sinking its hooks into you and dragging you deep in. At first, the shifting POV (in third person) within a chapter, and the hopping between past and present, were a bit jarring, but once I got used to it, the flow became seamless.
It would honestly look incredible on a big screen as a hard-hitting folk horror movie - because yes, some of those water-based body horror scenes were nauseating and creepy. I loved it 🖤
'His gaping mouth pooled with brackish water, dark with silt. And from it a white lotus grew, its stem thrust up his esophagus. Flower of renewal. Flower of rot. Its petals were just beginning to open. When it bloomed, a single blue eye darted wildly where the stamen should have been.'
I can’t wait for more stories by Jihyun Yun, my attention and anticipation are hers!
Huge thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an e-ARC! And The River Drags Her Down is out now.
November 14, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
this was a fantastic horror novel with mystery/thriller elements; at first, i didn’t feel that horror was an accurate genre for this book, but as i continued reading it dawned on me that women being pursued by men and then being killed by a man when she rejects him will always be a horrifying reality so long as it’s a societal norm.
i will also always appreciate an author that takes the time to make water an important aspect in horror, as there as so many different oppressed peoples from different cultures that have difficult relationships with water due to the looming implications of death and separation from their motherland and identities.
the way the mystery slowly unravelled was well done in my opinion; i also really loved our fmc soojin’s character growth, especially where it concerns her ability to play god by bringing dead things back to life… her little pet rat💔
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a great job!
this was a fantastic horror novel with mystery/thriller elements; at first, i didn’t feel that horror was an accurate genre for this book, but as i continued reading it dawned on me that women being pursued by men and then being killed by a man when she rejects him will always be a horrifying reality so long as it’s a societal norm.
i will also always appreciate an author that takes the time to make water an important aspect in horror, as there as so many different oppressed peoples from different cultures that have difficult relationships with water due to the looming implications of death and separation from their motherland and identities.
the way the mystery slowly unravelled was well done in my opinion; i also really loved our fmc soojin’s character growth, especially where it concerns her ability to play god by bringing dead things back to life… her little pet rat💔
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a great job!
April 29, 2025
♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥
This fictional book made me feel sad and heartbroken. This is in the young adult horror genre. It is about resurrection and the depths of sisterhood. This story has a very good premise and I found it to be well executed. This book is a very dark and emotional medium paced read. It felt more like an adult mystery to me. I found it to be sad and heartbreaking because of the animals in this story. The cover of this book is extremely beautiful! It comes with magic, revenge, gothic vibes and family myths. This is a slow burn horror book.
♥ Synopsis ♥
“And The River Drags Her Down” is about a seventeen year old Korean American girl that has magic! She can resurrect the dead. However, she is only supposed to resurrect small creatures no bigger than her hand. Her older sister was found dead mysteriously in a river, by drowning. Instead of going by the rules of only resurrecting creatures no bigger than her hand, she goes against it, to bring her Sister back. As this story unravels, we see happiness between these two sisters. However, there is something different about the sister she brought back to life. Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Content Warnings & Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, violence against humans, violence against animals and parentification. I think people who like to read resurrection books that can handle the trigger warnings would enjoy this one.
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jihyun Yun and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025
♥ Quick Review ♥
◾️ Resurrection
✔️ Young Adult Genre
◾️ Gothic Vibes
✔️ Family Myths
◾️ Slow Burn Horror
✔️ Check Content Warnings
◾️ About Sisterhood
✔️ Fantasy
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This fictional book made me feel sad and heartbroken. This is in the young adult horror genre. It is about resurrection and the depths of sisterhood. This story has a very good premise and I found it to be well executed. This book is a very dark and emotional medium paced read. It felt more like an adult mystery to me. I found it to be sad and heartbreaking because of the animals in this story. The cover of this book is extremely beautiful! It comes with magic, revenge, gothic vibes and family myths. This is a slow burn horror book.
♥ Synopsis ♥
“And The River Drags Her Down” is about a seventeen year old Korean American girl that has magic! She can resurrect the dead. However, she is only supposed to resurrect small creatures no bigger than her hand. Her older sister was found dead mysteriously in a river, by drowning. Instead of going by the rules of only resurrecting creatures no bigger than her hand, she goes against it, to bring her Sister back. As this story unravels, we see happiness between these two sisters. However, there is something different about the sister she brought back to life. Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Content Warnings & Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, violence against humans, violence against animals and parentification. I think people who like to read resurrection books that can handle the trigger warnings would enjoy this one.
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jihyun Yun and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025
♥ Quick Review ♥
◾️ Resurrection
✔️ Young Adult Genre
◾️ Gothic Vibes
✔️ Family Myths
◾️ Slow Burn Horror
✔️ Check Content Warnings
◾️ About Sisterhood
✔️ Fantasy
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
November 5, 2025
A drowned sister, grief strong enough to use ancestral magic to resurrect her, and the hunger for revenge.
Immaculate vibes and atmosphere its no surprise this author’s first book was a work of poetry. The prose is stunning and lyrical and feels heavy enough to transport you without ever weighing you down in the details.
Family forward with a heavy focus on sisterhood in all its messy glory.
An absolutely beautiful portrayal of grief.
and don’t forget feminine rage, revenge, and previously mentioned necromancy!
Slower at times, this book feels like in meanders a bit, relishing in the journey rather than the destination.
Perfect for fall.
| IG | TikTok |
Immaculate vibes and atmosphere its no surprise this author’s first book was a work of poetry. The prose is stunning and lyrical and feels heavy enough to transport you without ever weighing you down in the details.
Family forward with a heavy focus on sisterhood in all its messy glory.
An absolutely beautiful portrayal of grief.
and don’t forget feminine rage, revenge, and previously mentioned necromancy!
Slower at times, this book feels like in meanders a bit, relishing in the journey rather than the destination.
Perfect for fall.
| IG | TikTok |
September 30, 2025
This is by far, hands down, one of the most beautiful, haunting, and heartbreaking books I have ever read. It’s a story of love, a story of loss, abandonment, and the refusal to let go, even when it’s poisoning you. (Also, new fear unlocked of Korean water spirits/ghosts. Thanks for that.) I really am at a loss for words. As a debut novel, this speaks volumes for author Jihyun Yun’s future. I am stunned at the intricate dance between love and loss, and why not letting go can drown you. It’s the perfect October read for your fall/spooky TBR. Just have your tissues ready, because it’s going to bring you to tears. (And you won’t want it any other way.)
And the River Drags Her Down hits shelves on October 7. You are definitely going to want to grab this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
And the River Drags Her Down hits shelves on October 7. You are definitely going to want to grab this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
Romanzo sul lutto, sul rifiuto di una perdita, sulla vendetta e sull'illusione che punire duramente coloro che ci hanno portato via qualcosa di caro ci ridarà la pace. La Yun ha attinto alle meravigliose leggende del folklore coreano - esempio ne è la leggenda dei fantasmi dell'acqua - per creare una storia cupa, dai toni gotici ma che allo stesso tempo reca in sé una sorta di tenerezza. La storia è carina ma non ne sono rimasta estasiata; problema è anche la lunghezza, alcune parti potevano essere tagliate per alleggerire un po' la lettura. È un esordio, c'è molto margine di miglioramento!
June 22, 2025
This was such a perfect contemporary YA. I don't quite know how to categorize it. It's very dark, it deals with realistic issues like grief and sisterhood, and there's a dash of romance. It's got some fantasy and mostly magical realism, with Korean-inspired magic and a Korean-American family running a bed and breakfast in a small beach town.
Against this backdrop Soojin is falling apart, mourning the drowning death of her sister Mirae. Her sister was a mother figure for her after their mother died and their father couldn't cope with the loss. In this family the women come from a long line of women who have the magical power of necromancy, ever since a famine and one family used the power to resurrect a chicken to stay fed.
They focus on animals and not human beings, because all kinds of things can go wrong between the necromancer and the revenant when it's another human.
After a breakdown, desperate Soojin resurrects her sister from her milk tooth. Her sister comes back and she has her memories, but it soon becomes apparent that something's not quite right. I do love the "comes back wrong" trope. Mirae is filled with anger about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, and embarks on a mission of femimine rage to avenge her drowning on the men in the town.
I loved the author's immersive, lyrical writing style, the exploration of sisterhood and the complicated ways that sisters look out for each other. Gorgeous lines like "Soojin was the sovereign of the nation of not letting go." Soojin could be often unlikable in her relentless, selfish commitment to not being able to let go, but I appreciated seeing her transformation into a more mature young woman.
I also enjoyed the Korean cultural elements woven into the narrative and appreciated the depiction of the racism they experienced in this small town. I thought the complicated friendship between Bentley, the rich kid whose dad was competing with their B&B, and Mirae, was tender and well done. Revenge isn't always so straightforward or will help a spirit move on after death. This book did an excellent job at examining the complex layers of grief and how it can destroy a family or bind them together.
This was dark and unsettling, but also beautiful, heartwarming, and powerful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Against this backdrop Soojin is falling apart, mourning the drowning death of her sister Mirae. Her sister was a mother figure for her after their mother died and their father couldn't cope with the loss. In this family the women come from a long line of women who have the magical power of necromancy, ever since a famine and one family used the power to resurrect a chicken to stay fed.
They focus on animals and not human beings, because all kinds of things can go wrong between the necromancer and the revenant when it's another human.
After a breakdown, desperate Soojin resurrects her sister from her milk tooth. Her sister comes back and she has her memories, but it soon becomes apparent that something's not quite right. I do love the "comes back wrong" trope. Mirae is filled with anger about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, and embarks on a mission of femimine rage to avenge her drowning on the men in the town.
I loved the author's immersive, lyrical writing style, the exploration of sisterhood and the complicated ways that sisters look out for each other. Gorgeous lines like "Soojin was the sovereign of the nation of not letting go." Soojin could be often unlikable in her relentless, selfish commitment to not being able to let go, but I appreciated seeing her transformation into a more mature young woman.
I also enjoyed the Korean cultural elements woven into the narrative and appreciated the depiction of the racism they experienced in this small town. I thought the complicated friendship between Bentley, the rich kid whose dad was competing with their B&B, and Mirae, was tender and well done. Revenge isn't always so straightforward or will help a spirit move on after death. This book did an excellent job at examining the complex layers of grief and how it can destroy a family or bind them together.
This was dark and unsettling, but also beautiful, heartwarming, and powerful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2025
I had high hopes for this and I'm so happy to report that it met all of my expectations. A beautiful, lyrical melding of horror and heartbreak that will leave you haunted.
May 13, 2025
"And the River Drags Her Down" is a hauntingly beautiful tale about sisterhood, selfishness, and grief.
It moves slowly, but deliberately, building a quiet tension that never fully lets go and will likely leave you heartbroken.
"What the funeral director didn’t understand was that Soojin didn’t want to heal. If she didn’t wake each morning ransacked by her sister’s absence, it would mean her memory was growing farther away. She would rather hurt than heal."
Soojin comes from a long line of women with a secret, inherited power. The ability to bring the dead back to life. There's just one rule: Never resurrect anything larger than the palm of your hand.
But that was before her sister Mirae died.
Overwhelmed by grief and desperate not to be alone, Soojin breaks the rule. At first, having Mirae back feels like a miracle. But Mirae isn't content to stay in the shadows. As old wounds resurface and secrets unravel, Mirae sets her sights on the injustice that tore her family apart, and she won't rest until it's paid for.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and One World's Rock The Boat Imprint for the opportunity to read this ARC early in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s classified as YA horror, but it leans more toward mystery with a slow-burn and minor horror elements. (Trigger warning: animal deaths)
I loved the characters. Soojin’s grief felt raw and real, her stubbornness and flaws made her feel all the more relatable. If your sister died and you could bring her back, wouldn’t you?
And Mirae, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but still incredibly easy to love.
I also liked the inclusion of family myths and "seeing" Mirae's gift in action.
The pacing does slow down a bit around the halfway point (I couldn’t quite put my finger on why) but even so, it was a beautiful and tragic story that I’m really glad I got to read.
It moves slowly, but deliberately, building a quiet tension that never fully lets go and will likely leave you heartbroken.
"What the funeral director didn’t understand was that Soojin didn’t want to heal. If she didn’t wake each morning ransacked by her sister’s absence, it would mean her memory was growing farther away. She would rather hurt than heal."
Soojin comes from a long line of women with a secret, inherited power. The ability to bring the dead back to life. There's just one rule: Never resurrect anything larger than the palm of your hand.
But that was before her sister Mirae died.
Overwhelmed by grief and desperate not to be alone, Soojin breaks the rule. At first, having Mirae back feels like a miracle. But Mirae isn't content to stay in the shadows. As old wounds resurface and secrets unravel, Mirae sets her sights on the injustice that tore her family apart, and she won't rest until it's paid for.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and One World's Rock The Boat Imprint for the opportunity to read this ARC early in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s classified as YA horror, but it leans more toward mystery with a slow-burn and minor horror elements. (Trigger warning: animal deaths)
I loved the characters. Soojin’s grief felt raw and real, her stubbornness and flaws made her feel all the more relatable. If your sister died and you could bring her back, wouldn’t you?
And Mirae, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but still incredibly easy to love.
I also liked the inclusion of family myths and "seeing" Mirae's gift in action.
The pacing does slow down a bit around the halfway point (I couldn’t quite put my finger on why) but even so, it was a beautiful and tragic story that I’m really glad I got to read.
July 31, 2025
ੈ✩‧₊˚Preread~Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC ! I don't read horror genres very much, so this will be interesting !
Well...that was certainley something. I went into this book with a matcha latte, my blanket and expecting a gothic horror book, but came out with an empty glass, my blanket on the floor, tears and emotional trauma ! Lovely.
The book follows the FMC Soojin after the loss of her sister Mirae, who drowned in the river of their small town, Jade Acre, a couple years after their mother was killed in a car crash. But what no one knows is that the women in their family have always been able to ressurect living things with bones. Stricken with griend, years after her sister's death, Soojin, against all of her mother's warnings, ressurects Mirae.
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. While the ending was fairly inevitable, there are secrets and truths unveiled throughout this book bit by bit. You can see Soojin's crippling grief, and denial that anything bad is going to happen after Mirae's ressurection. Mark, one of her childhood friends whom she grew apart with after her mother's death, is so sweet 🥹. They have a bit of a bittersweet, open ending, but I think most people will be pretty satisfied with it. He's such a crucial element of comfort throughout the book for Soojin, giving her space when she needs it, and being someone she can rely on.
Well...that was certainley something. I went into this book with a matcha latte, my blanket and expecting a gothic horror book, but came out with an empty glass, my blanket on the floor, tears and emotional trauma ! Lovely.
The book follows the FMC Soojin after the loss of her sister Mirae, who drowned in the river of their small town, Jade Acre, a couple years after their mother was killed in a car crash. But what no one knows is that the women in their family have always been able to ressurect living things with bones. Stricken with griend, years after her sister's death, Soojin, against all of her mother's warnings, ressurects Mirae.
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. While the ending was fairly inevitable, there are secrets and truths unveiled throughout this book bit by bit. You can see Soojin's crippling grief, and denial that anything bad is going to happen after Mirae's ressurection. Mark, one of her childhood friends whom she grew apart with after her mother's death, is so sweet 🥹. They have a bit of a bittersweet, open ending, but I think most people will be pretty satisfied with it. He's such a crucial element of comfort throughout the book for Soojin, giving her space when she needs it, and being someone she can rely on.
April 27, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book!! Since my mom first introduced me to Pet Semetary, I’ve obsessed over the idea of it. And now I get a modernized version with revenge in mind? Absolutely amazing.
I loved how this book was written in third person so we could get the thoughts of absolutely anyone at any given moment. This helped to keep the story going at some times that it lagged.
Soojin is essentially an unreliable narrator because she refuses to see anything that isn’t what she wants or imagines, which is especially the case when it comes to her sister.
This was an absolutely fabulous book that should be read by everyone. The vibes, the plot, the characters: amazing.
The only reason my review is a 4.5/5 stars is because I felt like the plot lagged a bit starting near the 40% mark. Things were happening, but they were a little slow, so my focus momentarily wavered.
Thank you very much to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and in no way are influenced by the manner in which I received it.
I absolutely loved this book!! Since my mom first introduced me to Pet Semetary, I’ve obsessed over the idea of it. And now I get a modernized version with revenge in mind? Absolutely amazing.
I loved how this book was written in third person so we could get the thoughts of absolutely anyone at any given moment. This helped to keep the story going at some times that it lagged.
Soojin is essentially an unreliable narrator because she refuses to see anything that isn’t what she wants or imagines, which is especially the case when it comes to her sister.
This was an absolutely fabulous book that should be read by everyone. The vibes, the plot, the characters: amazing.
The only reason my review is a 4.5/5 stars is because I felt like the plot lagged a bit starting near the 40% mark. Things were happening, but they were a little slow, so my focus momentarily wavered.
Thank you very much to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and in no way are influenced by the manner in which I received it.
September 30, 2025
Wow. Wow. I loved this reading experience. It is an ode to suffering, to grief, to curses, to reckonings, to realizations.
What would you do if you held the power of resurrection? Would it be to eat the same animal again and again? Would it be to satisfy morbid curiosity?
Would it be to assuage loneliness?
What about the creatures you repeatedly bring back to life? How do they feel about their unexpected return to life?
What if they’re angry?
What if they’re…vengeful?
The author answers all these questions, and, in so doing, has crafted a scary, yet hauntingly beautiful tale about what it means to move on and forge one’s own path.
And now I refuse to say anything more about the plot. Just start reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
What would you do if you held the power of resurrection? Would it be to eat the same animal again and again? Would it be to satisfy morbid curiosity?
Would it be to assuage loneliness?
What about the creatures you repeatedly bring back to life? How do they feel about their unexpected return to life?
What if they’re angry?
What if they’re…vengeful?
The author answers all these questions, and, in so doing, has crafted a scary, yet hauntingly beautiful tale about what it means to move on and forge one’s own path.
And now I refuse to say anything more about the plot. Just start reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
November 7, 2025
A story of grief and learning to let go with some eerie magical realism and a generations old cover up.
A great read overall, I especially loved the writing style. Was eerie and haunting but also beautifully executed. My only gripe with this was the overall pacing. There were definitely lulls in the story that I felt clogged up the timeline and could have been done without all together.
A great read overall, I especially loved the writing style. Was eerie and haunting but also beautifully executed. My only gripe with this was the overall pacing. There were definitely lulls in the story that I felt clogged up the timeline and could have been done without all together.
April 28, 2025
Where do I even start? This book isn’t just a gothic horror: it’s a gut-punching tale of grief that’ll have you sobbing into your floral throw pillow at 3 a.m.
Soojin Han is a 17-year-old Korean American girl with a secret gift: she can resurrect the dead, but only critters smaller than her palm. More like pet rats, not people. But when her older sister Mirae drowns in the Black Pine River under shady circumstances, Soojin says, “Rules? F the rules.” and brings her back.
The sisterhood in this book is everything. Soojin and Mirae’s bond is so raw and real, it reminded me of those late-night giggle fests with my own sister, sneaking snacks and whispering secrets under the covers. Yun captures that messy, beautiful love where you’d do anything for each other... even, you know, defy the laws of nature with some light necromancy. But here’s the thing: resurrected Mirae isn’t quite the same. She’s restless, hungry, and maybe a smidge vengeful. When the town starts drowning in freakish rains and bizarre deaths, I was clutching my pearls (okay, my thrifted choker). The slow-burn horror had me checking my windows for creepy river spirits. But let’s get real: this isn’t just spooky vibes. It’s a story about grief, and just like Mirae drowned for real, Soojin is drowning in her sorrow. Every page aches with her loss, like she’s carrying a boulder in her chest. Her desperation to hold onto her sister felt so raw, it reminded me of the time I clung to my grandma’s old scarf after she passed, hoping to keep her close. Yun makes Soojin’s pain palpable, and it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Yun’s world-building is perfection. The small coastal town feels like it could be your sleepy hometown, but with this eerie undercurrent that makes you side-eye every puddle. The Korean folklore woven in—ghost stories and ancestral magic—gave me chills and made my inner history nerd squeal. It’s like Yun took my love for The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and cranked the spooky dial to eleven. And can we talk about the imagery? The silt-soaked atmosphere, the crimson ringlets of blood in water, the way Soojin’s grief feels like a physical ache that she's drowning in—I was living for it. I swear I could smell the damp earth and hear the river’s whisper.
Now, let’s get a tad snarky. If you’re expecting a neat little bow on this story, keep dreaming. Yun doesn’t spoon-feed you answers, and I respect the audacity. Some might whine about the ambiguity, but I’m over here clapping for a book that trusts me to think. The pacing? Divine. It’s a slow simmer that builds to a boil, and by the end, I was a wreck—in the best way.
Soojin as a protagonist is my new bestie. She’s flawed, grieving, and stubborn as hell, but so relatable. I saw myself in her impulsive choices (like trying to cut my own bangs the midnight before picture day). Her journey through loss and love is so poignant, it’s like Yun reached into my chest and squeezed.
And Mirae? Oh, she’s a force. I won’t spoil the twists, but let’s just say she’s the chaotic sister I’d both hug and hide from.
In And the River Drags Her Down is a masterpiece that’ll make you laugh, cry, and sleep with the lights on. Jihyun Yun, you’ve stolen my heart and probably a piece of my sanity. If you love dark, atmospheric YA with sisterly love and a side of revenge, pre-order this book. It’s a five-star stunner that’ll drag you under and leave you gasping for more. I’m already planning my reread later this year with a cozy sweater and a caramel frappe.
find more reviews on my blog
October 12, 2025
“Sister, I hear you, feel your hands in the dirt, searching.
I will answer your call- I’ll return.”
Wow.
This is such an incredibly beautiful debut about sisterhood. Beautifully 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤.
We’re talking bloated drowned river ghost girls, endless tendrils of black hair, and pond rot clinging to every page.
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹.
When the River Drags Her Down is deceptively simple- girl’s sister dies, girl drowns in grief, girl resurrects dead sister… sister comes back hungry.
Simple, and all the more effective for it.
The horror elements are wickedly fun (because who doesn’t love a vengeful river ghost zombie girl?!) but what makes this novel truly special is the emotion running beneath it all.
Because of its slower pace, you feel every character’s ache in your bones:
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘳,
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵,
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦.
And let’s not forget the deliciously descriptive prose that transports you to this sleepy idillidic small town infected by rain and rot.
If you like your YA horror tender, tragic, and dripping with atmosphere, this one’s for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I will answer your call- I’ll return.”
Wow.
This is such an incredibly beautiful debut about sisterhood. Beautifully 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤.
We’re talking bloated drowned river ghost girls, endless tendrils of black hair, and pond rot clinging to every page.
𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹.
When the River Drags Her Down is deceptively simple- girl’s sister dies, girl drowns in grief, girl resurrects dead sister… sister comes back hungry.
Simple, and all the more effective for it.
The horror elements are wickedly fun (because who doesn’t love a vengeful river ghost zombie girl?!) but what makes this novel truly special is the emotion running beneath it all.
Because of its slower pace, you feel every character’s ache in your bones:
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘳,
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵,
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦.
And let’s not forget the deliciously descriptive prose that transports you to this sleepy idillidic small town infected by rain and rot.
If you like your YA horror tender, tragic, and dripping with atmosphere, this one’s for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 7, 2025
This book is truly something. And the River Drags Her Down is a quiet, sorrow-soaked exploration of mourning and grief.
The novel follows the aftermath of a very sudden death, and lingers in what comes after: the silences, the miscommunications, the way grief splinters through a family and rends those left behind. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of aspects of Korean culture I didn't know much about, and the bones of what I can't really a call a magic system, more the power the Han women carry with them, as something I've never really seen before, teetering on the edge between fantasy and horror.
That said, this was a hard read—not in the sense of complexity, as the writing is dense, yes, but not hard to follow at all, but in its emotional density. It’s melancholic and slow-moving, and at times I felt almost flattened by it and I had to put the book down just to take a breather (which probably is just my fear of death and grief rearing its ugly head). I didn’t end up loving it in the capital-L way, but I deeply respected it and I’m glad I read it, some quotes, and feelings, and points of view I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about - but, especially if you're like me, you're gonna 100% need something light and fluffy to recover after this one. Overall an important, tough but beautiful read. Go in prepared: this one drags you under, but it’s worth the breathlessness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!
The novel follows the aftermath of a very sudden death, and lingers in what comes after: the silences, the miscommunications, the way grief splinters through a family and rends those left behind. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of aspects of Korean culture I didn't know much about, and the bones of what I can't really a call a magic system, more the power the Han women carry with them, as something I've never really seen before, teetering on the edge between fantasy and horror.
That said, this was a hard read—not in the sense of complexity, as the writing is dense, yes, but not hard to follow at all, but in its emotional density. It’s melancholic and slow-moving, and at times I felt almost flattened by it and I had to put the book down just to take a breather (which probably is just my fear of death and grief rearing its ugly head). I didn’t end up loving it in the capital-L way, but I deeply respected it and I’m glad I read it, some quotes, and feelings, and points of view I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about - but, especially if you're like me, you're gonna 100% need something light and fluffy to recover after this one. Overall an important, tough but beautiful read. Go in prepared: this one drags you under, but it’s worth the breathlessness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!
December 19, 2024
Dark, taut, and perpetually stunning, woven with a myth passed through surviving women and an atmosphere so soaked you can smell the silt. Jihyun Yun's mesmerizing debut crafts a disquiet tale of lonely creatures unraveling loss, and what it means to return to yourself.
October 4, 2025
Thank you Oneworld Publications for providing me with the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read until 40% before DNFing - I always feel especially bad having to do this for an ARC, but it really wasn't holding my attention. That being said, I do think that this is less so a matter of poor quality but rather a case of this being the wrong book for me and I'd largely blame that on the marketing.
Although we have multiple POVs, we mainly follow Soojin whose women in the family have had the ability to resurrect the dead for many generations. After losing both her mother and years later older sister Mirae, Soojin has become a very withdrawn girl who is now also the only one with the resurrection powers. These, however, are not to be used on humans but only small creatures.
And the River Drags her Down was being advertised as horror and as such, I was expecting something a little more than it delivered. I don't need anything big to happen, in fact, I find just a quiet eerie atmosphere to be the best kind of horror. To me, this book lacked any form of atmosphere and build up. It is of course possible that there are more super natural elements in the remaining half of the book I haven't read, but it has failed to capture any form of intrigue from me in regards to the super natural elements for the first half and, for something marketed as horror, that just wasn't good enough for me.
I felt the story focused a lot more on loss and grief - and that's absolutely fine and will appeal to other readers. To the point where I'd gotten, I feel like a very similar story could have been told without any fantastical elements at all - it wouldn't have felt any different. I do believe it is a well written book in terms of prose and how grief is handled, but it wasn't the book I was expecting to leave. What also made it harder to continue was the fact that I didn't really like Soojin. People handle grief differently and I felt that Soojin's way of coping was to lash out and be unpleasant to pretty much everyone. While I understand that, it doesn't necessarily endear her to me.
I am truly sad to call it quits on this one but I think I gave it a fair shot with reading up to 40%. If you enjoy stories that explore grief and loss, this might be a good pick for you. If you are looking for an atmospheric horror story, I'd probably look elsewhere.
October 24, 2025
[ 4.5/5 stars ]
Soojin has an inherited magic of resurrection. When her older sister Mirae is found mysteriously drowned in the river, Soojin brings her back from the dead. However, her sister came back differently, driven by an insatiable hunger.
Yun's lyrical and evocative language accurately delivers the intensity of horror and complexity of loss - sometimes the journey of grieving doesn't revolve around healing and the story shows its circular nature that relentlessly leaves mark on people. The emotions are haunting, revealing the brokenness of nuanced and mature-beyond-their-age characters, whom through them Yun exposes loneliness, vengeance and the concept of death, which funeral rituals and inner thoughts make it deeply somber. It's gross and visceral that doesn't feel overdone, rather, these elements permeate in a way to reinforce the darkness and the author's intention.
Yet not all is gloomy and Yun dives into the theme of sisterhood and friendship which I cherished.
The story's hidden message is about life's guilt/regrets and second chances. What if one is allowed another chance in life?
Melancholic and tragic, AND THE RIVER DRAGS HER DOWN is a YA horror that I really enjoyed the execution. I found it quite impactful.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Get Underlined . All opinions are my own ]
Soojin has an inherited magic of resurrection. When her older sister Mirae is found mysteriously drowned in the river, Soojin brings her back from the dead. However, her sister came back differently, driven by an insatiable hunger.
Yun's lyrical and evocative language accurately delivers the intensity of horror and complexity of loss - sometimes the journey of grieving doesn't revolve around healing and the story shows its circular nature that relentlessly leaves mark on people. The emotions are haunting, revealing the brokenness of nuanced and mature-beyond-their-age characters, whom through them Yun exposes loneliness, vengeance and the concept of death, which funeral rituals and inner thoughts make it deeply somber. It's gross and visceral that doesn't feel overdone, rather, these elements permeate in a way to reinforce the darkness and the author's intention.
Yet not all is gloomy and Yun dives into the theme of sisterhood and friendship which I cherished.
The story's hidden message is about life's guilt/regrets and second chances. What if one is allowed another chance in life?
Melancholic and tragic, AND THE RIVER DRAGS HER DOWN is a YA horror that I really enjoyed the execution. I found it quite impactful.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Get Underlined . All opinions are my own ]
October 5, 2025
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
This gothic YA horror is a hauntingly beautiful blend of terror, grief, love, little bit of longing and quiet strength. And the River Drags Her Down tells the story of Soojin, whose overwhelming grief and desperate choices to bring her beloved sister, Mirae, back from the dead, but not as the person she once knew(well not all of her).
I absolutely loved this story. It was heartbreaking to witness Soojin’s struggle with her grief while life continued to move forward around her. The mystery was well crafted, drawing me in with every chapter. As a romance reader, I found myself hoping for a happier ending for Soojin and Mark but honestly, the ending was perfect in its own way. Soojin finds peace, closure, and the strength to move forward without her sister, and that was incredibly powerful.
This is a perfect spooky season read. I was especially drawn to the world-building and the way Jihyun Yun weaves in Korean culture and magical realism so seamlessly. The story also doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes like racism and identity. One moment that really stood out to me was when someone mispronounced Soojin’s name, despite knowing how to say it correctly. That small act carried so much weight. Ugh!
The amount of people making fun of my last name when I was growing up was wild and my last name is LESS THAN FIVE LETTERS COMBINE. LOL
Thank you to NetGalley, Jihyun Yun, Random House Children's, and Knopf Books for Young Readers for the gifted eARC. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a haunting, emotional, and meaningful read.
This gothic YA horror is a hauntingly beautiful blend of terror, grief, love, little bit of longing and quiet strength. And the River Drags Her Down tells the story of Soojin, whose overwhelming grief and desperate choices to bring her beloved sister, Mirae, back from the dead, but not as the person she once knew(well not all of her).
I absolutely loved this story. It was heartbreaking to witness Soojin’s struggle with her grief while life continued to move forward around her. The mystery was well crafted, drawing me in with every chapter. As a romance reader, I found myself hoping for a happier ending for Soojin and Mark but honestly, the ending was perfect in its own way. Soojin finds peace, closure, and the strength to move forward without her sister, and that was incredibly powerful.
This is a perfect spooky season read. I was especially drawn to the world-building and the way Jihyun Yun weaves in Korean culture and magical realism so seamlessly. The story also doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes like racism and identity. One moment that really stood out to me was when someone mispronounced Soojin’s name, despite knowing how to say it correctly. That small act carried so much weight. Ugh!
The amount of people making fun of my last name when I was growing up was wild and my last name is LESS THAN FIVE LETTERS COMBINE. LOL
Thank you to NetGalley, Jihyun Yun, Random House Children's, and Knopf Books for Young Readers for the gifted eARC. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a haunting, emotional, and meaningful read.
October 12, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, Jihyun Yun, and Random House Children’s for the eARC. This was a creepy, crawly thriller filled with heartache and tension. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but the story was so unique and deeply intriguing. It definitely gave me The Ring vibes!
September 27, 2025
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Honest, raw (yet at times poetical) representation of grief. Fleshed out characters who elicit sympathy even when they make bad choices. Atmospheric writing.
Cons: Gloomy and emotionally though. Delivers a predictable (though powerfully executed) resolution.
WARNING! Parent death, sibling death, animal death/sacrifice, body horror/decay, car crash, drowning/near drowning, strangulation, burns, underage drinking. Parentification, grief, racism.
Will appeal to: Those who enjoy revenant narratives, lyrical horror, Korean folklore and coming-of-age themes. Those who like damaged characters, complicated sibling relationships, and estranged friends' reconnections leading to tentative romance.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to Oneworld Publications/Rock the Boat for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
A STUDY IN SORROW
Yun takes a pretty common trope in YA literature - a teen with powers bringing back a dead loved one, namely a sister - and uses it to its best advantage in order to tell a much larger story, incorporating themes like parentification, selfishness, loneliness, guilt, by way of ancestral magic and Korean myths/culture. Mainly told from the perspective of 17 y.o. Soojin, but including other POVs, mostly resurrected sister Mirae's (one of the touches that make the book stand out in a sea of "came back wrong" narratives), And the River Drags Her Down pulls no punches in exploring the grief that engulfs a broken family (six years prior to Mirae's drowning, when the girls were 10 and 11, their mother died in a car crash) and its consequences - maybe a tad, you know, enhanced by magic, but not less relatable for this reason...if anything, even more. While the power that the women in her family possess was originally born out of very primal needs during a prolonged food shortage (and only meant to resurrect small animals), Soojin has twisted it into a tool to avoid facing loss, even before she employs it to resurrect her sister. Mired in grief and loneliness, she ultimately turns to her gift in order to get her only emotional anchor back, but there will be hell to pay - for her and Mirae both, not to mention, a bunch of other people - and ultimately, a though decision to make. [...]
Whole review here.
Pros: Honest, raw (yet at times poetical) representation of grief. Fleshed out characters who elicit sympathy even when they make bad choices. Atmospheric writing.
Cons: Gloomy and emotionally though. Delivers a predictable (though powerfully executed) resolution.
WARNING! Parent death, sibling death, animal death/sacrifice, body horror/decay, car crash, drowning/near drowning, strangulation, burns, underage drinking. Parentification, grief, racism.
Will appeal to: Those who enjoy revenant narratives, lyrical horror, Korean folklore and coming-of-age themes. Those who like damaged characters, complicated sibling relationships, and estranged friends' reconnections leading to tentative romance.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to Oneworld Publications/Rock the Boat for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
A STUDY IN SORROW
Yun takes a pretty common trope in YA literature - a teen with powers bringing back a dead loved one, namely a sister - and uses it to its best advantage in order to tell a much larger story, incorporating themes like parentification, selfishness, loneliness, guilt, by way of ancestral magic and Korean myths/culture. Mainly told from the perspective of 17 y.o. Soojin, but including other POVs, mostly resurrected sister Mirae's (one of the touches that make the book stand out in a sea of "came back wrong" narratives), And the River Drags Her Down pulls no punches in exploring the grief that engulfs a broken family (six years prior to Mirae's drowning, when the girls were 10 and 11, their mother died in a car crash) and its consequences - maybe a tad, you know, enhanced by magic, but not less relatable for this reason...if anything, even more. While the power that the women in her family possess was originally born out of very primal needs during a prolonged food shortage (and only meant to resurrect small animals), Soojin has twisted it into a tool to avoid facing loss, even before she employs it to resurrect her sister. Mired in grief and loneliness, she ultimately turns to her gift in order to get her only emotional anchor back, but there will be hell to pay - for her and Mirae both, not to mention, a bunch of other people - and ultimately, a though decision to make. [...]
Whole review here.
September 15, 2025
Looking at the reviews, I definitely think this novel will work for others, but it wasn't for me, unfortunately.
I was hoping for more horror and dark fantasy, but this was more melodrama than anything. This novel focused more on characters' feelings and emotions. I wasn't a huge fan of the extremely slow pacing either, or how I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be set in our present day or an alternate world that mirrored the present day.
Honestly, I'm just really disappointed that I wasn't moved at all by the story, as so many other reviewers were moved.
I love anything to do with necromancy, but after Soojin's sister was resurrected, Soojin's magical powers took a backseat to the drama. I wish her powers featured more in the story.
To end on a positive note, I did love how the author wove her culture and heritage into the storyline. We learn about death, grief, and loss as seen through a Korean American teenager and her family.
I also liked how Soojin was, at heart, a morally grey character. Right and wrong are blurred through her actions. But then again, if you've ever experienced grief as a teen, or even as an adult, it's not difficult to understand her actions. Grieving isn't black and white, and I really liked how this novel emphasized that point.
Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
I was hoping for more horror and dark fantasy, but this was more melodrama than anything. This novel focused more on characters' feelings and emotions. I wasn't a huge fan of the extremely slow pacing either, or how I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be set in our present day or an alternate world that mirrored the present day.
Honestly, I'm just really disappointed that I wasn't moved at all by the story, as so many other reviewers were moved.
I love anything to do with necromancy, but after Soojin's sister was resurrected, Soojin's magical powers took a backseat to the drama. I wish her powers featured more in the story.
To end on a positive note, I did love how the author wove her culture and heritage into the storyline. We learn about death, grief, and loss as seen through a Korean American teenager and her family.
I also liked how Soojin was, at heart, a morally grey character. Right and wrong are blurred through her actions. But then again, if you've ever experienced grief as a teen, or even as an adult, it's not difficult to understand her actions. Grieving isn't black and white, and I really liked how this novel emphasized that point.
Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
August 2, 2025
3.5 Stars
✨ ✨✨ A slow-burning gothic tale steeped in themes of grief and loss. ✨✨✨
And the River Drags Her Down is simultaneously eerie and heartbreaking. This book is such a sorrowful and emotional read. It’s definitely dark and mysterious as well though.
The writing is absolutely brilliant and beautiful! Around the middle it did get a little slow to be honest, but overall I enjoyed this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released October 7, 2025.
✨ ✨✨ A slow-burning gothic tale steeped in themes of grief and loss. ✨✨✨
And the River Drags Her Down is simultaneously eerie and heartbreaking. This book is such a sorrowful and emotional read. It’s definitely dark and mysterious as well though.
The writing is absolutely brilliant and beautiful! Around the middle it did get a little slow to be honest, but overall I enjoyed this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released October 7, 2025.
December 10, 2025
Suģestējoši īpatnējs un mistisks vēstījums, fantāzija, bet reizē tuvs un saprotams kā realitāte. Sēras un nespēja atlaist vistuvāko, tik ļoti, ka gribas atdzīvināt, bet tāda iejaukšanās vienmēr nes līdzi smagas sekas. Vēl kāda šķautne romānā - katrs ģimenē pārdzīvo atšķirīgi tuva cilvēka nāvi, un var paiet garām, var neredzēt, nesaprast, cik ļoti otram sāp, gadiem sevī krāt dusmas un apspiest savas vēlmes, ziedojoties un rūpējoties ar smaidu, bet ar asarām vienatnē.
Arī rasisma tēma skarta, nevienlīdzība un korupcija, duļķes, kas uznirst no tumšas dzelmes.
Un, protams, ūdens, ar kura palīdzību veikt atriebību un reizē attīrīšanos, stihija, kas ne tikai veldzi sniedz, bet arī iznīcību...
Ar piena zobu viss sākas un beidzas.
Arī rasisma tēma skarta, nevienlīdzība un korupcija, duļķes, kas uznirst no tumšas dzelmes.
Un, protams, ūdens, ar kura palīdzību veikt atriebību un reizē attīrīšanos, stihija, kas ne tikai veldzi sniedz, bet arī iznīcību...
Ar piena zobu viss sākas un beidzas.
November 28, 2025
I have a rule: if I cry at the end it gets 5 stars! So deserved!
October 12, 2025
A dark and emotional Y.A horror, And the River Drags Her Down deals with the bond between sisters and how far one would go for the other, even beyond death.
This one was a slow-burn, and at first I was finding it quite tedious. But as the plot finally started moving along I was fully invested. The bond between the sisters Soojin and Mirae is both beautiful and devastating, and shapes much of the plot going forward and is definitely the highlight.
The horror aspect is also done really well and is not your typical Y.A. horror - there is definitely a Frankenstein influence but the author certainly does her own thing with it and it's great!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
This one was a slow-burn, and at first I was finding it quite tedious. But as the plot finally started moving along I was fully invested. The bond between the sisters Soojin and Mirae is both beautiful and devastating, and shapes much of the plot going forward and is definitely the highlight.
The horror aspect is also done really well and is not your typical Y.A. horror - there is definitely a Frankenstein influence but the author certainly does her own thing with it and it's great!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
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