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The Downwinders #1
Blood Oath, Blood River
Downwind: the area of the United States that received the brunt of the fallout from nuclear testing. As a result, humans developed cancers and congenital malformations… and so did the creatures in the River, the place where people with “the gift” see things others cannot.
Twenty-year-old Deem is gifted, but she is on her own without her mentor, her late father. Deem’s family is now targeted by a strange creature that climbs on their roof at night and infects the house with poison. With help from the charismatic Winn, Deem tries to stop the attacks, but this is only the beginning, with more ghosts, Callers, and mutated creatures to come.
Deem met Steven and Roy when she helped save their son from the ghosts at St. Thomas. She was impressed by Roy’s use of their ancestors’ journals to assist with their work. Deem is confident her father left behind a journal for her somewhere, but her dangerous search becomes riddled with menacing secrets and revelations, putting people’s lives at risk.
Deem and Winn are not alone; they are helped by Awan, a handsome Paiute who knows Native American tradition and can explain the strange forces targeting Deem. They also meet Carma, a friendly soul with a fantastic and valuable secret buried in her house.
"Blood Oath, Blood River" is the first book in The Downwinders Series, a spinoff of The River Series, in which Deem and Winn first appear in Book Six, "Devil’s Throat". "Blood Oath, Blood River" is a stand-alone novel; no prior experience with The River Series is necessary to enjoy it. Fans of The River Series will be intrigued by this new exploration of the River, set in a place where downwind radiation has made the ghosts and creatures of the River strange and unpredictable.
Twenty-year-old Deem is gifted, but she is on her own without her mentor, her late father. Deem’s family is now targeted by a strange creature that climbs on their roof at night and infects the house with poison. With help from the charismatic Winn, Deem tries to stop the attacks, but this is only the beginning, with more ghosts, Callers, and mutated creatures to come.
Deem met Steven and Roy when she helped save their son from the ghosts at St. Thomas. She was impressed by Roy’s use of their ancestors’ journals to assist with their work. Deem is confident her father left behind a journal for her somewhere, but her dangerous search becomes riddled with menacing secrets and revelations, putting people’s lives at risk.
Deem and Winn are not alone; they are helped by Awan, a handsome Paiute who knows Native American tradition and can explain the strange forces targeting Deem. They also meet Carma, a friendly soul with a fantastic and valuable secret buried in her house.
"Blood Oath, Blood River" is the first book in The Downwinders Series, a spinoff of The River Series, in which Deem and Winn first appear in Book Six, "Devil’s Throat". "Blood Oath, Blood River" is a stand-alone novel; no prior experience with The River Series is necessary to enjoy it. Fans of The River Series will be intrigued by this new exploration of the River, set in a place where downwind radiation has made the ghosts and creatures of the River strange and unpredictable.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2014
132 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richan
55 books129 followersMichael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 28, 2014
BLOOD OATH, BLOOD RIVER is the first book in Michael Richan's "Downwinders" series. We first meet the main characters of Deem and Winn in THE DEVIL'S THROAT (The River series, #6). Although this is a branching off of that series, it is a stand-alone novel and can be enjoyed without having read prior to this, any of the books in "The River" series.
Deem and Winn are "gifteds"; people with the ability to see ghosts and other things around them that most can not. In this first novel, the story focuses on Deem's personal life and point of view. As a result, we get to know a great deal about her character and motivations.
BLOOD OATH, BLOOD RIVER brings into play several divergent issues relevant to the gifteds--the main, immediate threat facing them concerning a particularly nasty, mutated version of a creature from Native American folklore. This novel is definitely much edgier and more graphic than the books in "The River" series, and easily kept my attention riveted throughout the entire reading.
Richan has some incredibly unique and disturbing scenes that will linger in your mind for quite some time! The addition of secondary characters and sub-plots really helps to intensify the situation and aids in identifying with the characters. After the conclusion of this novel, you'll find yourself waiting breathlessly for the next installment.
Highly recommended!
Deem and Winn are "gifteds"; people with the ability to see ghosts and other things around them that most can not. In this first novel, the story focuses on Deem's personal life and point of view. As a result, we get to know a great deal about her character and motivations.
BLOOD OATH, BLOOD RIVER brings into play several divergent issues relevant to the gifteds--the main, immediate threat facing them concerning a particularly nasty, mutated version of a creature from Native American folklore. This novel is definitely much edgier and more graphic than the books in "The River" series, and easily kept my attention riveted throughout the entire reading.
Richan has some incredibly unique and disturbing scenes that will linger in your mind for quite some time! The addition of secondary characters and sub-plots really helps to intensify the situation and aids in identifying with the characters. After the conclusion of this novel, you'll find yourself waiting breathlessly for the next installment.
Highly recommended!
May 14, 2015
I won this in the goodreads giveaways. I haven't read any of The River Series, but I'm excited to read this one.
Blood Oath, Blood River was a good, action packed, supernatural thriller. I haven't read any of The River series that this is a spin off of, but I don't feel like the story lost much. There were probably a few things I think would have made more sense if I had read The River series. I may have to go and read those. I need more information about what the river IS. The book was still pretty good though and very entertaining!
Blood Oath, Blood River was a good, action packed, supernatural thriller. I haven't read any of The River series that this is a spin off of, but I don't feel like the story lost much. There were probably a few things I think would have made more sense if I had read The River series. I may have to go and read those. I need more information about what the river IS. The book was still pretty good though and very entertaining!
January 3, 2018
Great series!!!
Deem is simply wanting her father's journals that he left her before he died but with being Gifted and having Radiation pollute a part of the Other Side.. Simple is not an option.
It would seem that everything is out to get her... But what will get her first? The Secret Counsel of the LDS or the Skinwalker that seems to be unstoppable?
Pick this up to find out... Its awesome!!!
Deem is simply wanting her father's journals that he left her before he died but with being Gifted and having Radiation pollute a part of the Other Side.. Simple is not an option.
It would seem that everything is out to get her... But what will get her first? The Secret Counsel of the LDS or the Skinwalker that seems to be unstoppable?
Pick this up to find out... Its awesome!!!
August 6, 2018
I am totally obsessed with The Rivers Series of books by Michael Richan.
This is the first in the Blood River Series and it does not disappoint. I have so many other books downloaded and yet i continue to go to these stories first. I enjoy the entire made up world or other world that has been developed in this series.
This is the first in the Blood River Series and it does not disappoint. I have so many other books downloaded and yet i continue to go to these stories first. I enjoy the entire made up world or other world that has been developed in this series.
September 22, 2017
Great addition of new characters
I'm completely wrapped in the adventures this book just adds to the experience! Cannot wait to continue the story in the next one!
I'm completely wrapped in the adventures this book just adds to the experience! Cannot wait to continue the story in the next one!
October 13, 2017
Good
Really enjoyed the blending of Indian legends and beliefs with the LDS beliefs. Good use of characters and style to bring the book to life.
Really enjoyed the blending of Indian legends and beliefs with the LDS beliefs. Good use of characters and style to bring the book to life.
December 16, 2019
3.5 rounded. Liked the book. Hated the ending.
March 4, 2017
Another addictive read from the master Michael Rich a
Have read them all in order! The characters are engaging and tie the series together with a can't get e enough Aura!
Have read them all in order! The characters are engaging and tie the series together with a can't get e enough Aura!
March 14, 2015
This book is a spin-off of "The River" series. I read this after finishing "The River" series so there were some references to the characters in them that had me a bit confused, but I won't go into that to avoid spoilers. I recommend reading this book after "Devil's Throat", which is the 6th book in "The River" series, in order to keep the parallel stories straight." Blood Oath, Blood River" is a stand-alone book but I recommend starting with "The River" series first so you understand everything that they're referring to concerning being "gifted" and being in "the river".
I enjoyed this story about Deem and Winn and learning more about the Mormon culture. Deem is a gifted woman of about 20 years old and Winn, also gifted, is her male friend who's a bit older than her. They aren't romantically involved, not for Winn's lack of trying, but Deem is put off with his free-loving ways. It's fun to see them kid around each other and Winn trying to coax her into his bed, to no avail.
This story centered around Deem trying to find her deceaced father's journals, which she's sure would help her develope her "gift" . She's sure that her father's friend and confidant, Dayton, has them or knows where they are. These journals are usually passed from generation to generation with each subsequent generation adding to it with their experiences with the supernatural. She makes some friends and some enemes in her quest alongside Winn. You really feel like you're there with them and can relate to Deems struggle to locate the journals and her (SPOILER ALERT) anguish when her friend, Claude, gets murdered by Danites, a vigilante Mormon group who do the higher-ups dirty work. The characters are well developed and I found very few editing errors. If you enjoy a light-hearted novel in the supernatural genre, you'll enjoy this. I've swapped another novel for "The Impossible Coin", the second book in the Downwinders series in my kindleunlimited so I can find out if Deem ever finds her father's journals and what's inside the boxes she finds that Dayton was trying to get when he murdered Claude.
I enjoyed this story about Deem and Winn and learning more about the Mormon culture. Deem is a gifted woman of about 20 years old and Winn, also gifted, is her male friend who's a bit older than her. They aren't romantically involved, not for Winn's lack of trying, but Deem is put off with his free-loving ways. It's fun to see them kid around each other and Winn trying to coax her into his bed, to no avail.
This story centered around Deem trying to find her deceaced father's journals, which she's sure would help her develope her "gift" . She's sure that her father's friend and confidant, Dayton, has them or knows where they are. These journals are usually passed from generation to generation with each subsequent generation adding to it with their experiences with the supernatural. She makes some friends and some enemes in her quest alongside Winn. You really feel like you're there with them and can relate to Deems struggle to locate the journals and her (SPOILER ALERT) anguish when her friend, Claude, gets murdered by Danites, a vigilante Mormon group who do the higher-ups dirty work. The characters are well developed and I found very few editing errors. If you enjoy a light-hearted novel in the supernatural genre, you'll enjoy this. I've swapped another novel for "The Impossible Coin", the second book in the Downwinders series in my kindleunlimited so I can find out if Deem ever finds her father's journals and what's inside the boxes she finds that Dayton was trying to get when he murdered Claude.
May 20, 2015
A novel about a 20 year old woman named Deem who grew up as a Mormon. When she became gifted due to nuclear fallout, she was no longer considered a Mormon. The River refers to an alternate dimension where the gifted can see ghosts and other paranormal. For example, what one might see as ruins the gifted would see a functioning home as seen only in the river. Even though Deem is an outcast and her father an elder in the church, he tries to help her with her gift. Winn accompanies her on her journey to find her dead father's journals. why does Deem want her father's journal? Winn follows his own rules. Deem and Winn work with Awan, Paiute Indian and a Navaho shaman. Deem beside looking for her father's journals is trying to end the curse at home for her mother. Her mother is suffering. Why is she cursed?
The novel has twists and turns that I did not expect. However since this is a spin off from "The River" series which I have not read. Part of me wonders if I should read it too. I enjoyed the different characters in the book. It is an interesting take on ghosts and the paranormal. The author writes well. I look forward to reading the next volume.
The novel has twists and turns that I did not expect. However since this is a spin off from "The River" series which I have not read. Part of me wonders if I should read it too. I enjoyed the different characters in the book. It is an interesting take on ghosts and the paranormal. The author writes well. I look forward to reading the next volume.
October 30, 2015
Goodreads Signed Copy Win
There is an area in the United States that is still affected by nuclear testing. Some of the inhabitants are infected with cancers and congenital malformations. Even the creatures in the River and it are the place where people with “the gift” of seeing things others cannot.
Deem is gifted twenty old who recently lost her dad and mentor. She and her family are suddenly attacked by strange creatures as she battles them with the help of Winn. But this brings along more attacks of various creatures.
Along the way, they befriend a couple and saved their son from ghosts in St.Thomas. Deem believes her father left behind a journal for her but no one seen it as she searches for it.
This story takes you on an adventure as we learn more about our heroine. A compelling read.
There is an area in the United States that is still affected by nuclear testing. Some of the inhabitants are infected with cancers and congenital malformations. Even the creatures in the River and it are the place where people with “the gift” of seeing things others cannot.
Deem is gifted twenty old who recently lost her dad and mentor. She and her family are suddenly attacked by strange creatures as she battles them with the help of Winn. But this brings along more attacks of various creatures.
Along the way, they befriend a couple and saved their son from ghosts in St.Thomas. Deem believes her father left behind a journal for her but no one seen it as she searches for it.
This story takes you on an adventure as we learn more about our heroine. A compelling read.
October 8, 2014
I received this book from Good Reads First Reader giveaway.
So this book is about the Mormon faith, well sort of, so if you are Mormon or do not want to read about a religion, I would pass this book up.
So this is a paranormal, native american, mormon book of awesome. I really like the characters, I like the banter between Winn and Deem, I like the story line, the innovative way that Michael tells the story, heck, there is not much that I don't like about this story.
I really want to know more about the River and how Deem really learned about it, and what exactly it is, I mean there is some mention of it, but I want like primary source stuff on it :).
So this book is about the Mormon faith, well sort of, so if you are Mormon or do not want to read about a religion, I would pass this book up.
So this is a paranormal, native american, mormon book of awesome. I really like the characters, I like the banter between Winn and Deem, I like the story line, the innovative way that Michael tells the story, heck, there is not much that I don't like about this story.
I really want to know more about the River and how Deem really learned about it, and what exactly it is, I mean there is some mention of it, but I want like primary source stuff on it :).
May 1, 2016
Honestly, normally I would have given this book a 3 * rating but I could not. I cannot. This books and a few of the main subplots caused havoc on a group I am part of whilst I discussed some of these finer points. Now I hold this truth dear. If a book causes this much discussion, contradiction, anger and discussion then it must be doing something right. Thus my up star. The subplots added so much nuance, so much layers that I am truly impressed with the authors ability to use a situation or reality and cast it in a brand new light, even if it is a dark light.
September 25, 2014
*I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway*
I haven't read The River series prior to this Downwinders book despite this being a spin-off. I didn't feel like I really missed anything and Blood Oath, Blood River has plenty of action. Deem and Winn constantly face new threats throughout the book. Very fun read :)
I haven't read The River series prior to this Downwinders book despite this being a spin-off. I didn't feel like I really missed anything and Blood Oath, Blood River has plenty of action. Deem and Winn constantly face new threats throughout the book. Very fun read :)
March 5, 2015
Downwinders is a terrific "spin-off" of The River series. We previously met Deem and Winn in Devil's Throat, from The River series, but you don't need to has read that to enjoy Blood Oath Blood River.
Michael Richan is a wonderful story teller. If you like books with rich likeable characters and some great supernatural elements then this awesome writer is for you.
Michael Richan is a wonderful story teller. If you like books with rich likeable characters and some great supernatural elements then this awesome writer is for you.
May 26, 2015
a very interesting read. I am interested in the next one in this series very well written. constant action and multiple plots all in one .
very gripping as it took me only two days to read this one . a twist to the paranormal field.
a very detailed read and includes a glossary at the end for anyone who doesn't understand some of the terminology used such as adit .
very gripping as it took me only two days to read this one . a twist to the paranormal field.
a very detailed read and includes a glossary at the end for anyone who doesn't understand some of the terminology used such as adit .
April 9, 2015
Another great series
I enjoyed the many aspects of this book. There can be things in life that morally conflict the soul, and this thriller adds many aspects of power in the wrong hands. Gifts in the right hands, and untested secrets and souls. On to the next.
I enjoyed the many aspects of this book. There can be things in life that morally conflict the soul, and this thriller adds many aspects of power in the wrong hands. Gifts in the right hands, and untested secrets and souls. On to the next.
January 6, 2015
All of the characters have that old friend feeling and you just can't wait to catch up with them and their latest adventure.
October 26, 2015
Love this book and all of the twists and turns in each chapter.
January 10, 2016
Another great book
I am totally hooked on everything Michael Richan writes. I really liked Deem and Winn in the River Series. On to the next book!
I am totally hooked on everything Michael Richan writes. I really liked Deem and Winn in the River Series. On to the next book!
June 28, 2016
My kind of paranormal novel! I really must look for the other books in the series.
October 12, 2014
I enjoyed this book, finished it in 3 days. Would defiantly recommend to fellow readers.
November 10, 2017
Fast and fun read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews