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Black River: Un mordisco podría cambiarlo todo
Llega el nuevo fenómeno de vampiros al más puro estilo Crepúsculo.
Cuando los adolescentes de Black River empiezan a cambiar, nadie está a salvo.
A sus 17 años, Dusty solo quiere escapar a sus libros y a la extensa naturaleza que rodea su casa situada en las montañas del norte del estado de Nueva York. Lo que no sabe es que hay algo acechándola entre las sombras del bosque.
Cuando Dusty despierta una mañana, su cuerpo, sus sentidos y sus necesidades comienzan a cambiar, y empieza a sentir una atracción hacia el callado y misterioso Will como nunca había experimentado. El problema es que no es solo atracción, es la sed que siente hacia él.
Dusty no es la única persona de Black River que está experimentando estos extraños eventos. Fuerzas oscuras acechan en el bosque, y deberá descubrir qué está pasando, o arriesgarse a perder todo lo que ama.
Cuando los adolescentes de Black River empiezan a cambiar, nadie está a salvo.
A sus 17 años, Dusty solo quiere escapar a sus libros y a la extensa naturaleza que rodea su casa situada en las montañas del norte del estado de Nueva York. Lo que no sabe es que hay algo acechándola entre las sombras del bosque.
Cuando Dusty despierta una mañana, su cuerpo, sus sentidos y sus necesidades comienzan a cambiar, y empieza a sentir una atracción hacia el callado y misterioso Will como nunca había experimentado. El problema es que no es solo atracción, es la sed que siente hacia él.
Dusty no es la única persona de Black River que está experimentando estos extraños eventos. Fuerzas oscuras acechan en el bosque, y deberá descubrir qué está pasando, o arriesgarse a perder todo lo que ama.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
28 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Jean Cottle
3 books13 followersRuby Jean Cottle is a writer from Sydney, Australia. Growing up, Ruby spent childhood summers in upstate New York, where her passion for writing blossomed as her imagination ran wild in the mountains and forests far from her home. After studying art history at university, Ruby found herself on a winding career path in fashion, digital media and creative direction. After becoming a mother, she decided to return to her first love: writing stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Darkly addictive, fog-drenched, and full of teeth... this is the vampire comeback we’ve been dying for. I normally wait until the end of the year to hand out my 5 stars, but this one? Black River deserves it now.
From the very first page, Black River wrapped around me like mist on a mountain trail, quiet, eerie, disorienting, and impossible to shake. Ruby Jean Cottle doesn’t just write atmosphere, she builds it. Every word feels like it’s humming with something ancient, something watching, something waiting. This book had me feeling like I was being followed through the woods... and I loved it.
Dusty is the kind of protagonist I always fall hard for: bookish, introspective, craving solitude but desperate for understanding. Her journey is strange, slow, and intimate in that YA-liminal-space kind of way, where the lines between body and mind, girl and monster, love and survival, all blur. Her changes are physical and emotional, and that duality made me ache for her.
And Will? Oh, Will. That brand of brooding, mysterious, gentle-but-dangerous love interest that screams 2000s paranormal gold. The chemistry between him and Dusty was palpable, but it was that underlying “I shouldn’t want this” tension that really elevated their dynamic. There's romance, yes, but there’s also thirst. A hunger that’s not just metaphorical. It's got bite.
This gave me:
- Twilight fog but make it unsettling.
- Vampire Diaries small-town secrets and simmering powers.
- Teen Wolf vibes with forest horror and teenage drama.
And all of it layered with deep psychological and emotional weight
I adored the 00s paranormal nostalgia here, but this wasn’t a copy-paste job of old tropes. Cottle reimagines the vampire narrative in a way that feels fresh, contemporary, and just deeply felt. She’s not just playing with paranormal romance; she’s deconstructing the cost of it. There’s grief. There’s body horror. There’s fear, identity crisis, and the brutal loss of innocence. And I was here for every page.
By the end? I was feral. I devoured 400 pages in less than a day. The ending left me cold, breathless, and needing more at 1am. There’s a cliffhanger. You’ve been warned. But that only makes me more desperate for book two.
Final thoughts: If you’ve ever wanted a YA paranormal that feels like reading fog and fire at the same time, Black River is for you. Ruby Jean Cottle has carved out something haunting and tender, something bloody and beautiful. A must-read for fans of atmospheric genre blends, slow-burn romances, and characters with claws.
From the very first page, Black River wrapped around me like mist on a mountain trail, quiet, eerie, disorienting, and impossible to shake. Ruby Jean Cottle doesn’t just write atmosphere, she builds it. Every word feels like it’s humming with something ancient, something watching, something waiting. This book had me feeling like I was being followed through the woods... and I loved it.
Dusty is the kind of protagonist I always fall hard for: bookish, introspective, craving solitude but desperate for understanding. Her journey is strange, slow, and intimate in that YA-liminal-space kind of way, where the lines between body and mind, girl and monster, love and survival, all blur. Her changes are physical and emotional, and that duality made me ache for her.
And Will? Oh, Will. That brand of brooding, mysterious, gentle-but-dangerous love interest that screams 2000s paranormal gold. The chemistry between him and Dusty was palpable, but it was that underlying “I shouldn’t want this” tension that really elevated their dynamic. There's romance, yes, but there’s also thirst. A hunger that’s not just metaphorical. It's got bite.
This gave me:
- Twilight fog but make it unsettling.
- Vampire Diaries small-town secrets and simmering powers.
- Teen Wolf vibes with forest horror and teenage drama.
And all of it layered with deep psychological and emotional weight
I adored the 00s paranormal nostalgia here, but this wasn’t a copy-paste job of old tropes. Cottle reimagines the vampire narrative in a way that feels fresh, contemporary, and just deeply felt. She’s not just playing with paranormal romance; she’s deconstructing the cost of it. There’s grief. There’s body horror. There’s fear, identity crisis, and the brutal loss of innocence. And I was here for every page.
By the end? I was feral. I devoured 400 pages in less than a day. The ending left me cold, breathless, and needing more at 1am. There’s a cliffhanger. You’ve been warned. But that only makes me more desperate for book two.
Final thoughts: If you’ve ever wanted a YA paranormal that feels like reading fog and fire at the same time, Black River is for you. Ruby Jean Cottle has carved out something haunting and tender, something bloody and beautiful. A must-read for fans of atmospheric genre blends, slow-burn romances, and characters with claws.
September 14, 2025
my rating: ★★★★
aesthetic: 🌻🏡🦌🌊⛰️🩸💻🪨☀️🐿️🌲
Black River by Ruby Jean Cottle is a hauntingly atmospheric YA fantasy that beautifully balances supernatural elements with deeply human emotion. In this character-driven story, we follow a group of teenagers whose ordinary school lives take a sharp turn when they’re unexpectedly thrust into the world of vampires. What unfolds is not just a story of transformation—but of survival, identity, and resilience.
This book gave me all the early 2000s Twilight nostalgia, but with a darker, more introspective edge. Cottle doesn’t just explore what it means to become a vampire—she dives into the emotional weight of it all: the fear, the loss of control, the shifting sense of self. The trauma each character faces is raw and deeply felt, and their coping mechanisms—sometimes messy, sometimes brave—make them all the more real.
The relationships between the teens are layered and dynamic, with friendships tested, secrets unraveling, and fragile trust being rebuilt in a world that no longer feels safe. The pace is measured, allowing for rich character development, and the world-building subtly weaves the supernatural into the everyday in a way that feels grounded yet chilling.
Black River is about more than just vampires—it’s a story about what it means to lose everything you knew and still fight for who you are becoming. If you love emotional, moody YA with a paranormal twist, this book is absolutely one to watch for.
aesthetic: 🌻🏡🦌🌊⛰️🩸💻🪨☀️🐿️🌲
Black River by Ruby Jean Cottle is a hauntingly atmospheric YA fantasy that beautifully balances supernatural elements with deeply human emotion. In this character-driven story, we follow a group of teenagers whose ordinary school lives take a sharp turn when they’re unexpectedly thrust into the world of vampires. What unfolds is not just a story of transformation—but of survival, identity, and resilience.
This book gave me all the early 2000s Twilight nostalgia, but with a darker, more introspective edge. Cottle doesn’t just explore what it means to become a vampire—she dives into the emotional weight of it all: the fear, the loss of control, the shifting sense of self. The trauma each character faces is raw and deeply felt, and their coping mechanisms—sometimes messy, sometimes brave—make them all the more real.
The relationships between the teens are layered and dynamic, with friendships tested, secrets unraveling, and fragile trust being rebuilt in a world that no longer feels safe. The pace is measured, allowing for rich character development, and the world-building subtly weaves the supernatural into the everyday in a way that feels grounded yet chilling.
Black River is about more than just vampires—it’s a story about what it means to lose everything you knew and still fight for who you are becoming. If you love emotional, moody YA with a paranormal twist, this book is absolutely one to watch for.
July 3, 2025
Ruby Jean Cottle has crafted a truly captivating and original story in Black River. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into Dusty's world, a world both familiar and unsettlingly strange. The blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance is expertly woven together, creating a unique and thrilling reading experience unlike anything I've encountered lately.
Dusty is a wonderfully relatable protagonist. Her desire to escape into books and the wilderness resonated deeply, and watching her navigate the confusing changes happening to her was both fascinating and heartbreaking. The mystery surrounding her transformations kept me constantly guessing, and the hints of darker forces at play added a layer of suspense that had me eagerly turning the pages.
And then there's Will! The quiet and mysterious love interest immediately captured my attention. The connection between Dusty and Will is palpable, and the added element of a thirst beyond mere attraction adds an intriguing and slightly dangerous edge to their relationship.
Cottle's writing is beautifully descriptive, bringing the setting of Black River to life. I could almost feel the earth beneath my feet and smell the scent of the forest. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action and suspense.
Black River is more than just a genre-bending YA novel, it's a story about self-discovery, embracing the unknown, and fighting for what you love. I was completely invested in Dusty's journey, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance who are looking for something fresh and exciting!
Dusty is a wonderfully relatable protagonist. Her desire to escape into books and the wilderness resonated deeply, and watching her navigate the confusing changes happening to her was both fascinating and heartbreaking. The mystery surrounding her transformations kept me constantly guessing, and the hints of darker forces at play added a layer of suspense that had me eagerly turning the pages.
And then there's Will! The quiet and mysterious love interest immediately captured my attention. The connection between Dusty and Will is palpable, and the added element of a thirst beyond mere attraction adds an intriguing and slightly dangerous edge to their relationship.
Cottle's writing is beautifully descriptive, bringing the setting of Black River to life. I could almost feel the earth beneath my feet and smell the scent of the forest. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action and suspense.
Black River is more than just a genre-bending YA novel, it's a story about self-discovery, embracing the unknown, and fighting for what you love. I was completely invested in Dusty's journey, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance who are looking for something fresh and exciting!
July 14, 2025
Beautiful, well written, and gripping.
This book sucked me in with relatable characters and wonderful descriptions. I felt like I was there and found myself thinking about the location and characters during my day to day life, wanting to go back and read more.
It's quite balanced, but towards the end, I was ready to know what the hell was going on, and I felt like it didn't quite move quickly enough for me... until it did.
I still feel like there are some unanswered questions, or maybe it's just that I want to read more.
Thank you for this ARC copy from Netgalley. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by this author!
This book sucked me in with relatable characters and wonderful descriptions. I felt like I was there and found myself thinking about the location and characters during my day to day life, wanting to go back and read more.
It's quite balanced, but towards the end, I was ready to know what the hell was going on, and I felt like it didn't quite move quickly enough for me... until it did.
I still feel like there are some unanswered questions, or maybe it's just that I want to read more.
Thank you for this ARC copy from Netgalley. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by this author!
October 21, 2025
"Black River" me atrapó desde sus primeras páginas, tiene un muy buen ritmo, y capítulos cortos que te incitan a seguir leyendo sin descanso, creando una tensión magnífica que la autora maneja de maravilla.
El misterio, junto a la atmósfera sombría del pueblo y el bosque, te mantienen totalmente enganchada. Y a eso le sumamos unas vibes de Crepúsculo maravilloso, y tenemos una lectura que vas a beberte☺️
La protagonista, Dusty, me encantó. La sentí cercana y muy real en cada momento. La autora consigue transmitir a la perfección esa sensación adolescente de estar perdida, de no saber qué hacer en la vida o con tu vida, y el sentimiento de no encajar o de ser diferente al resto. Es ese factor humano el que te hace empatizar con su desorientación en medio de todo el caos que la rodea.
Aunque la trama se centra en adolescentes en un entorno de instituto, esta no es una historia ligera. Hay momentos realmente fuertes, duros y brutales, que dan un giro oscuro al género. Es precisamente en la mezcla del drama adolescente con lo sobrenatural y lo violento donde la novela brilla.
Disfruté enormemente del misterio que envuelve toda la historia, la brutalidad en ciertas situaciones y, sobre todo, el ver cómo los protagonistas van cambiando y evolucionando a medida que la trama avanza.
No obstante, quiero lanzar una advertencia importante🚩: si sois muy sensibles con el tema animal, tened cuidado, porque hay algunos pasajes que contienen cosas muy desagradables, bastante explícitas y detalladas.
Lamentablemente, el gran punto flaco para mí, fue el final. Me decepcionó mucho y, sinceramente, es lo que menos me gustó de todo el libro. Deja muchas cosas en el aire sin cerrar, y la conclusión que propone no termina de tener sentido, para mi, con la construcción de la historia y los personajes que veníamos viendo. Siento que todo el hype acumulado con la lectura, se desinfló totalmente en las últimas páginas.
Pero en general es una lectura trepidante y muy bien ambientada, con una protagonista que sientes muy real y un desarrollo de misterio y brutalidad adictivo.
El misterio, junto a la atmósfera sombría del pueblo y el bosque, te mantienen totalmente enganchada. Y a eso le sumamos unas vibes de Crepúsculo maravilloso, y tenemos una lectura que vas a beberte☺️
La protagonista, Dusty, me encantó. La sentí cercana y muy real en cada momento. La autora consigue transmitir a la perfección esa sensación adolescente de estar perdida, de no saber qué hacer en la vida o con tu vida, y el sentimiento de no encajar o de ser diferente al resto. Es ese factor humano el que te hace empatizar con su desorientación en medio de todo el caos que la rodea.
Aunque la trama se centra en adolescentes en un entorno de instituto, esta no es una historia ligera. Hay momentos realmente fuertes, duros y brutales, que dan un giro oscuro al género. Es precisamente en la mezcla del drama adolescente con lo sobrenatural y lo violento donde la novela brilla.
Disfruté enormemente del misterio que envuelve toda la historia, la brutalidad en ciertas situaciones y, sobre todo, el ver cómo los protagonistas van cambiando y evolucionando a medida que la trama avanza.
No obstante, quiero lanzar una advertencia importante🚩: si sois muy sensibles con el tema animal, tened cuidado, porque hay algunos pasajes que contienen cosas muy desagradables, bastante explícitas y detalladas.
Lamentablemente, el gran punto flaco para mí, fue el final. Me decepcionó mucho y, sinceramente, es lo que menos me gustó de todo el libro. Deja muchas cosas en el aire sin cerrar, y la conclusión que propone no termina de tener sentido, para mi, con la construcción de la historia y los personajes que veníamos viendo. Siento que todo el hype acumulado con la lectura, se desinfló totalmente en las últimas páginas.
Pero en general es una lectura trepidante y muy bien ambientada, con una protagonista que sientes muy real y un desarrollo de misterio y brutalidad adictivo.
November 16, 2025
No es un secreto que me encantan los libros de vampiros, y Black River es una de esas novelas que te atrapan desde la primera página: ya en las primeras escenas nos encontramos con una situación misteriosa y sin explicación. La historia sucede a buen ritmo, y combina misterio, romance y algo de terror con sorprendente naturalidad.
Ruby Jean Cottle construye un mundo vampírico que se sale de la norma. Esto a algunos les encantará y a otros quizás no, pero es desde luego original. Lástima que la explicación venga solo al final y rematada muy deprisa, pero sospecho que la historia continuará como una serie y ese es el motivo.
Dusty, la protagonista, es una chica con la que cualquier amante de los libros podrá empatizar: tímida, retraída, pero no débil, siempre dispuesta a defender a su hermana pequeña.
El romance adolescente con Will funciona muy bien: es un chico misterioso, callado, que no sabemos si guardará algún secreto. La química va creciendo, más aún cuando entra en escena otro chico del instituto…
En paralelo, me gustó mucho el componente de misterio / asesinato sin resolver que se entrelaza con la trama principal, aportando intriga que te hace seguir pasando páginas.
En definitiva, Black River me gustó y me pareció una propuesta fresca dentro del YA paranormal: oscura, intensa y con un lore vampírico original. Mezcla muy bien el romance, misterio y terror, y me dejó con ganas de leer el siguiente de la autora, cuando salga.
Calificación: 4,5/5
Ruby Jean Cottle construye un mundo vampírico que se sale de la norma. Esto a algunos les encantará y a otros quizás no, pero es desde luego original. Lástima que la explicación venga solo al final y rematada muy deprisa, pero sospecho que la historia continuará como una serie y ese es el motivo.
Dusty, la protagonista, es una chica con la que cualquier amante de los libros podrá empatizar: tímida, retraída, pero no débil, siempre dispuesta a defender a su hermana pequeña.
El romance adolescente con Will funciona muy bien: es un chico misterioso, callado, que no sabemos si guardará algún secreto. La química va creciendo, más aún cuando entra en escena otro chico del instituto…
En paralelo, me gustó mucho el componente de misterio / asesinato sin resolver que se entrelaza con la trama principal, aportando intriga que te hace seguir pasando páginas.
En definitiva, Black River me gustó y me pareció una propuesta fresca dentro del YA paranormal: oscura, intensa y con un lore vampírico original. Mezcla muy bien el romance, misterio y terror, y me dejó con ganas de leer el siguiente de la autora, cuando salga.
Calificación: 4,5/5
August 30, 2025
Cute little YA vampire novel! Smashed this in a day, it was easy to read and kept me hanging to know what happens next. Modern day Gen Z twilight vibes.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
July 30, 2025
‘Black River’ is an amazing YA debut by author Ruby Jean Cottle, which is an intriguing blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance with a sprinkle of horror. All these genres are blended so well that you are left questioning what is happening just like the characters.
The story follows Dusty, a 17-year-old girl, who gets sick after forging in the woods with her sister. When she recovers, she finds that she and a couple of other local teens have changed, and now strange things are happening all over the mountain where they live. I love how the author has created such an original story and manages to take an old trope and gave it new life. I very much enjoyed that at first, we the reader, are just as confused as Dusty as to what is happening.
Dusty is very likeable as our protagonist, but she shines even more when surrounded by her friends who are amazing in their own ways. We have her sister Opi, who is younger but feels so much wiser at times, her best friend Mali, who is so supportive to Dusty but also has her own life and interests that don’t hinge on Dusty. We also have Will who is new to Black River and likes to keep to himself and Eli, who at first seems to be the typical jock but grew to be possibly my favourite character.
I genuinely enjoyed each different POV and wanted to hear more from all these characters. Normally multiple POV’s annoy me since inevitably there is one that is boring and feels like filler but this time, each one was valuable and helped give more depth to the story.
The author did such a lovely job describing the scenery so well, that it almost transports you to the mountain too. It helped give the story such atmosphere, which only enhanced all the mystery and creepy vibes.
I appreciated that by the end the author gave us some big answers to our questions but left enough mystery that I am very much looking forward to reading the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for this ARC.
The story follows Dusty, a 17-year-old girl, who gets sick after forging in the woods with her sister. When she recovers, she finds that she and a couple of other local teens have changed, and now strange things are happening all over the mountain where they live. I love how the author has created such an original story and manages to take an old trope and gave it new life. I very much enjoyed that at first, we the reader, are just as confused as Dusty as to what is happening.
Dusty is very likeable as our protagonist, but she shines even more when surrounded by her friends who are amazing in their own ways. We have her sister Opi, who is younger but feels so much wiser at times, her best friend Mali, who is so supportive to Dusty but also has her own life and interests that don’t hinge on Dusty. We also have Will who is new to Black River and likes to keep to himself and Eli, who at first seems to be the typical jock but grew to be possibly my favourite character.
I genuinely enjoyed each different POV and wanted to hear more from all these characters. Normally multiple POV’s annoy me since inevitably there is one that is boring and feels like filler but this time, each one was valuable and helped give more depth to the story.
The author did such a lovely job describing the scenery so well, that it almost transports you to the mountain too. It helped give the story such atmosphere, which only enhanced all the mystery and creepy vibes.
I appreciated that by the end the author gave us some big answers to our questions but left enough mystery that I am very much looking forward to reading the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for this ARC.
August 19, 2025
Thank you Atria Books for the arc.
Black River is a YA paranormal / fantasy book set in a small town. Picture a rural version of the vampire diaries, but with more immature characters. I enjoyed the start, it was eery and suspenseful. However, I felt the plot didn’t really make sense.
Spoiler ahead: Dusty the FMC wakes up one day after a time jump occurs in the forest and she’s suddenly a vampire. How??? After this event, the book follows Dusty and Eli (who’s not even the love interest) navigating life as new vampires. The actual love interest Will was so absent that I didn’t even care for him when he did appear. I found it hard to connect to the characters, Dusty especially wasn’t very likeable.
The TikTok mentions and Gen Z slang took me out of the story completely. A young teen may enjoy this more but some of the scenes were really cringey, eg. Eli using compulsion to ask a guy when he last jerked off (wtf?). Eli came across as homophobic, saying things like “I swear I’m not into guys” and “they (gay people) can do what they want but ehh”.
In one scene a character said “I thought you were like special needs” to insult another character and I felt disgusted reading it. This was a disappointing read and in 2025 authors should know better - these phrases serve no purpose.
Black River is a YA paranormal / fantasy book set in a small town. Picture a rural version of the vampire diaries, but with more immature characters. I enjoyed the start, it was eery and suspenseful. However, I felt the plot didn’t really make sense.
Spoiler ahead: Dusty the FMC wakes up one day after a time jump occurs in the forest and she’s suddenly a vampire. How??? After this event, the book follows Dusty and Eli (who’s not even the love interest) navigating life as new vampires. The actual love interest Will was so absent that I didn’t even care for him when he did appear. I found it hard to connect to the characters, Dusty especially wasn’t very likeable.
The TikTok mentions and Gen Z slang took me out of the story completely. A young teen may enjoy this more but some of the scenes were really cringey, eg. Eli using compulsion to ask a guy when he last jerked off (wtf?). Eli came across as homophobic, saying things like “I swear I’m not into guys” and “they (gay people) can do what they want but ehh”.
In one scene a character said “I thought you were like special needs” to insult another character and I felt disgusted reading it. This was a disappointing read and in 2025 authors should know better - these phrases serve no purpose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
I loved this book — but it also totally frustrated me, in the best possible way.
As a Twilight girl from way back, the premise hooked me immediately. Dusty is seventeen, bookish, and happiest when she’s surrounded by stories and the wilderness of her mountain home. But when secrets start spilling — hers, her friends’, and her family’s — everything she thought she knew about her life begins to unravel.
Dusty is an epic FMC. She’s relatable in her love of books, and the way she navigates such huge, painful changes felt both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her relationships — especially with her sister and father — felt raw and genuine. I also loved watching her friendships evolve, mirroring the way Dusty grows into herself across the story.
The mystery at the heart of the book kept me utterly captivated — but also drove me a little mad. Answers were scarce, which was frustrating, though it left me desperate for more (thankfully, Ruby Jean Cottle has confirmed a sequel, White Mountain).
The storyline around Dusty’s mother, however, felt a little confusing. I would have liked more clarity there before the ending.
Dusty and Will’s slow burn romance was written so perfectly. Really captured that teen romance feeling. There is a slightly dangerous edge to their relationship which kept it interesting.
I loved Eli! At first I felt like he came out of left field but as the story progressed he became such an integral part of Dusty’s life. The tension between them at first was really intriguing, and I spent a while wondering if they will or wont hook up. I was really happy when their relationship took a different turn.
Overall, Black River is a dark, twisted, and atmospheric YA novel that completely pulled me in. Even with the frustrations (or maybe because of them), I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I can’t wait to see what happens next in White Mountain!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy.
As a Twilight girl from way back, the premise hooked me immediately. Dusty is seventeen, bookish, and happiest when she’s surrounded by stories and the wilderness of her mountain home. But when secrets start spilling — hers, her friends’, and her family’s — everything she thought she knew about her life begins to unravel.
Dusty is an epic FMC. She’s relatable in her love of books, and the way she navigates such huge, painful changes felt both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her relationships — especially with her sister and father — felt raw and genuine. I also loved watching her friendships evolve, mirroring the way Dusty grows into herself across the story.
The mystery at the heart of the book kept me utterly captivated — but also drove me a little mad. Answers were scarce, which was frustrating, though it left me desperate for more (thankfully, Ruby Jean Cottle has confirmed a sequel, White Mountain).
The storyline around Dusty’s mother, however, felt a little confusing. I would have liked more clarity there before the ending.
Dusty and Will’s slow burn romance was written so perfectly. Really captured that teen romance feeling. There is a slightly dangerous edge to their relationship which kept it interesting.
I loved Eli! At first I felt like he came out of left field but as the story progressed he became such an integral part of Dusty’s life. The tension between them at first was really intriguing, and I spent a while wondering if they will or wont hook up. I was really happy when their relationship took a different turn.
Overall, Black River is a dark, twisted, and atmospheric YA novel that completely pulled me in. Even with the frustrations (or maybe because of them), I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I can’t wait to see what happens next in White Mountain!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy.
October 21, 2025
4⭐️
Big Vampire Diaries/Twilight vibes, but way better than both. Creepy, atmospheric and intriguing with a sprinkling of romance. This genre bending story is written like a poem and absolutely captured me!
The writing of this book is more like poetry. The descriptions are so beautifully written that some of the creepier scenes actually gave me a sense of unease. I loved how everyone and everything was described in such great detail; I could picture the people and the mountain so vividly.
I felt everything the characters were feeling, the confusion, the fear, and even the love. In the end, many of the mysteries were wrapped up but just enough were left to keep you wondering and wanting. I cannot wait for the next installment!
My only issue with this would be the pacing, and I wouldn't even consider it a big issue. At times I just felt that the story was dragging. I didn't feel bored, more just wanting it to pick back up, which is why I can't give this too much criticism.
Anyone who has read any of my other reviews knows I love side characters. So many writers just put them there as filler or plot conveniences - but not Ruby. Girl, you know how to write characters. Everyone, even the more minor roles, had beautiful descriptions and a level of depth. I felt connected to everyone and cared about so many of them. Thank-you for doing them justice!
The romance in this book is so sweet and innocent. I love when the story isn't focused on a physical romance, but an emotional one. The butterflies, the chills, the confusion, it was just adorable and perfect.
A big thankyou to Ruby Jean Cottle and the crew at Simon and Schuster Australia for this ARC via NetGalley!
Big Vampire Diaries/Twilight vibes, but way better than both. Creepy, atmospheric and intriguing with a sprinkling of romance. This genre bending story is written like a poem and absolutely captured me!
The writing of this book is more like poetry. The descriptions are so beautifully written that some of the creepier scenes actually gave me a sense of unease. I loved how everyone and everything was described in such great detail; I could picture the people and the mountain so vividly.
I felt everything the characters were feeling, the confusion, the fear, and even the love. In the end, many of the mysteries were wrapped up but just enough were left to keep you wondering and wanting. I cannot wait for the next installment!
My only issue with this would be the pacing, and I wouldn't even consider it a big issue. At times I just felt that the story was dragging. I didn't feel bored, more just wanting it to pick back up, which is why I can't give this too much criticism.
Anyone who has read any of my other reviews knows I love side characters. So many writers just put them there as filler or plot conveniences - but not Ruby. Girl, you know how to write characters. Everyone, even the more minor roles, had beautiful descriptions and a level of depth. I felt connected to everyone and cared about so many of them. Thank-you for doing them justice!
The romance in this book is so sweet and innocent. I love when the story isn't focused on a physical romance, but an emotional one. The butterflies, the chills, the confusion, it was just adorable and perfect.
A big thankyou to Ruby Jean Cottle and the crew at Simon and Schuster Australia for this ARC via NetGalley!
August 30, 2025
Dusty lives on the edge of the wilderness with her father and sister in the small town of Black River. One morning, during a foraging trip, something strange happens that marks the beginning of a series of unsettling events for Dusty. Soon after, she begins to wake up with heightened senses, an uncanny ability to see through others’ memories and eyes, and a reduced appetite for food—replaced by a hunger for something else entirely…
This YA sci-fi novel is not my usual go-to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went in blind, and the fact that I couldn’t predict where the story was heading kept me hooked. The eerie, haunting undertone added depth to the mystery surrounding Dusty and her peers, especially with the uncertainty of what was causing these changes. The world-building struck a nice balance—enough to picture the setting vividly without overwhelming detail.
While there is a touch of romance, it stays fairly minimal and only really comes together near the end. The real strength lies in the suspense and creeping sense of dread. I also wholeheartedly agree that this book gives Twilight vibes—in the best way.
The book closes with a bombshell ending, leaving plenty of questions unanswered—about Dusty’s mother, the villainous figures at play, and her sister’s fate. It definitely sets up anticipation for the next installment, and I’ll be eager to pick it up once it’s released.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, and apologies for the late review!
This YA sci-fi novel is not my usual go-to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went in blind, and the fact that I couldn’t predict where the story was heading kept me hooked. The eerie, haunting undertone added depth to the mystery surrounding Dusty and her peers, especially with the uncertainty of what was causing these changes. The world-building struck a nice balance—enough to picture the setting vividly without overwhelming detail.
While there is a touch of romance, it stays fairly minimal and only really comes together near the end. The real strength lies in the suspense and creeping sense of dread. I also wholeheartedly agree that this book gives Twilight vibes—in the best way.
The book closes with a bombshell ending, leaving plenty of questions unanswered—about Dusty’s mother, the villainous figures at play, and her sister’s fate. It definitely sets up anticipation for the next installment, and I’ll be eager to pick it up once it’s released.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, and apologies for the late review!
October 6, 2025
This story about a group of teenagers living on White Mountain that, go to sleep one night, then collectively , experience a life altering experience when they wake, was really good.
First time read from Ruby Jean Cottle and I have to say-
Loved it!
The FMC, Dusty was a strong, considerate, and down to earth.
Along with her sister, slightly younger Opie ( such a cute name ) and their single parent, Park Ranger father, Chris,they have grown up up on White Mountain, were they have learnt about the Forrest and all it can provide.
One morning Dusty awakes a little freaked out only to find herself filthy, leaves in her hair, feet caked in mud,
Confused, would be an understatement.
Once the day begins, she realises that she has a low tolerance for food.
Eating it, Smelling it,
Makes her want to gag.
And there is this always present THIRST!
One night while at a local bonfire party, she witness a fight between two guys from her school.
One being Eli, BMX rider, social media influencer darling, and her secret crush.
When she try’s to calm the situation, Eli turns to look at her and they have a connection.
This boy that never knew she existed, now they both feel ….SOMETHING!
He takes off running into the Forrest and she pursues.
It’s at this point that both Eli and Dusty discover they have both shared the same weird experience the previous night.
In the meantime,…their Thirst is getting worse.
So they both make a decision to try and take down an animal to sate their blood lust.
While not completely satisfactory, things soon escalate when they come across a man holidaying on the mountain
.
Resulting in an unexpected tragedy.
Then, after being absent for several days with Eli, and causing concern, they cover by saying they are now an official couple, so they can try to resolve what is happening to them…TOGETHER
It doesn’t help that when Dusty finds herself in close contact with a boy from her class, Will, the the quite, cute boy that sits at the back, with an interest in bees and plants, she discovers that really likes his…SMELL 🤷🏻♀️
Really, REALLY likes his smell, and when they are really close, she is just as mesmerising by his, soulful eyes, floppy dark hair, and his veins, and the beating of his heart.
So, in she trying to avoid Will p, at the risk of harming him, she pretend dates Eli, as they, seek answers to their predicament.
Soon, they discover that they are not the only student from the mountain to be affected by whatever it was that is happening.
There are three others.
Two being Dusty’s lunch table friends Amber and DJ
The other, a senior, the popular Kirsten.
It’s the first two, and their irrational behaviour that ends up causing Dusty and Eli concern.
Along with trying to avoid partaking in human blood,
dealing with their last year of school,
And having strange visions,
Plus!
Oh Yeah!
One missing tourist that Dusty’s father is helping investigate.
Eli and Dusty certainly have their hands full.
This was a pretty cool read.
Off the charts spooky Atmosphere.
Angsty romance.
Suspenseful climax
Going by the way it ended I think there will be more coming from Dusty, Opie, Eli, Will, etc
I certainly hope so ✌️
First time read from Ruby Jean Cottle and I have to say-
Loved it!
The FMC, Dusty was a strong, considerate, and down to earth.
Along with her sister, slightly younger Opie ( such a cute name ) and their single parent, Park Ranger father, Chris,they have grown up up on White Mountain, were they have learnt about the Forrest and all it can provide.
One morning Dusty awakes a little freaked out only to find herself filthy, leaves in her hair, feet caked in mud,
Confused, would be an understatement.
Once the day begins, she realises that she has a low tolerance for food.
Eating it, Smelling it,
Makes her want to gag.
And there is this always present THIRST!
One night while at a local bonfire party, she witness a fight between two guys from her school.
One being Eli, BMX rider, social media influencer darling, and her secret crush.
When she try’s to calm the situation, Eli turns to look at her and they have a connection.
This boy that never knew she existed, now they both feel ….SOMETHING!
He takes off running into the Forrest and she pursues.
It’s at this point that both Eli and Dusty discover they have both shared the same weird experience the previous night.
In the meantime,…their Thirst is getting worse.
So they both make a decision to try and take down an animal to sate their blood lust.
While not completely satisfactory, things soon escalate when they come across a man holidaying on the mountain
.
Resulting in an unexpected tragedy.
Then, after being absent for several days with Eli, and causing concern, they cover by saying they are now an official couple, so they can try to resolve what is happening to them…TOGETHER
It doesn’t help that when Dusty finds herself in close contact with a boy from her class, Will, the the quite, cute boy that sits at the back, with an interest in bees and plants, she discovers that really likes his…SMELL 🤷🏻♀️
Really, REALLY likes his smell, and when they are really close, she is just as mesmerising by his, soulful eyes, floppy dark hair, and his veins, and the beating of his heart.
So, in she trying to avoid Will p, at the risk of harming him, she pretend dates Eli, as they, seek answers to their predicament.
Soon, they discover that they are not the only student from the mountain to be affected by whatever it was that is happening.
There are three others.
Two being Dusty’s lunch table friends Amber and DJ
The other, a senior, the popular Kirsten.
It’s the first two, and their irrational behaviour that ends up causing Dusty and Eli concern.
Along with trying to avoid partaking in human blood,
dealing with their last year of school,
And having strange visions,
Plus!
Oh Yeah!
One missing tourist that Dusty’s father is helping investigate.
Eli and Dusty certainly have their hands full.
This was a pretty cool read.
Off the charts spooky Atmosphere.
Angsty romance.
Suspenseful climax
Going by the way it ended I think there will be more coming from Dusty, Opie, Eli, Will, etc
I certainly hope so ✌️
December 16, 2025
Black River es una novela juvenil con tintes de fantasía, misterio y romance, ambientada en un pequeño pueblo rodeado de naturaleza y secretos. La historia sigue a Dusty y a sus amigos, y nos narra cómo algunos de los chicos del instituto comienzan a experimentar cambios extraños que afectan tanto a sus cuerpos como a su manera de percibir el mundo, dando paso al miedo y al desconcierto.
La novela mezcla fantasía urbana con un toque de horror (ideal para fans de Crepúsculo), con un enfoque muy juvenil pero también reflexivo. Los personajes atraviesan transformaciones que no solo son sobrenaturales, sino también emocionales. Eso sí, aunque el romance está presente, ni de lejos forma parte de la trama principal de la historia.
Creo que lo más destacable del libro es la atmósfera que la autora ha creado. Logra que el entorno se sienta vivo, casi vigilante. El bosque, el pueblo y el aislamiento juegan un papel tan importante como los propios personajes, generando una sensación constante de tensión y misterio.
Algunas escenas son un poco duras, sobre todo si sois personas a las que el tema de la crueldad animal os resulta desagradable. Al final, no dejan de ser “vampiros”… y tienen que alimentarse.
Como punto negativo, debo mencionar el tipo de narración en tercera persona, que cambia el enfoque entre varios personajes. Personalmente, esto me resultó algo complicado al principio, ya que a veces cuesta conectar con los personajes o ubicarse del todo en la historia, especialmente cuando se alternan los puntos de vista. Aun así, también ayuda a resaltar aún más la ambientación.
Aunque el libro en general me ha gustado y me ha mantenido enganchada, el final me ha dejado bastante fría. A mi parecer, se han quedado varias tramas abiertas sin resolver y el cierre resulta un poco flojo para tratarse de una novela autoconclusiva.
Aun así, es una lectura completamente recomendable para quienes disfrutan de fantasía juvenil con una atmósfera densa, personajes bien construidos y pinceladas de horror emocional.
La novela mezcla fantasía urbana con un toque de horror (ideal para fans de Crepúsculo), con un enfoque muy juvenil pero también reflexivo. Los personajes atraviesan transformaciones que no solo son sobrenaturales, sino también emocionales. Eso sí, aunque el romance está presente, ni de lejos forma parte de la trama principal de la historia.
Creo que lo más destacable del libro es la atmósfera que la autora ha creado. Logra que el entorno se sienta vivo, casi vigilante. El bosque, el pueblo y el aislamiento juegan un papel tan importante como los propios personajes, generando una sensación constante de tensión y misterio.
Algunas escenas son un poco duras, sobre todo si sois personas a las que el tema de la crueldad animal os resulta desagradable. Al final, no dejan de ser “vampiros”… y tienen que alimentarse.
Como punto negativo, debo mencionar el tipo de narración en tercera persona, que cambia el enfoque entre varios personajes. Personalmente, esto me resultó algo complicado al principio, ya que a veces cuesta conectar con los personajes o ubicarse del todo en la historia, especialmente cuando se alternan los puntos de vista. Aun así, también ayuda a resaltar aún más la ambientación.
Aunque el libro en general me ha gustado y me ha mantenido enganchada, el final me ha dejado bastante fría. A mi parecer, se han quedado varias tramas abiertas sin resolver y el cierre resulta un poco flojo para tratarse de una novela autoconclusiva.
Aun así, es una lectura completamente recomendable para quienes disfrutan de fantasía juvenil con una atmósfera densa, personajes bien construidos y pinceladas de horror emocional.
July 15, 2025
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Black River is an atmospheric and often haunting read, with writing that leans more poetic than plot-driven. Ruby Jean Cottle creates a vivid sense of place and an undercurrent of something darker always lurking just beneath the surface. It’s not a traditional horror or fantasy novel by any means, but there are... elements. Let’s just say some parts veer into the uncanny, with a slow reveal that blurs the line between grief, memory, and something more eternal.
The story unfolds gently, sometimes a little too gently for my taste—the pacing dragged in places, and I found myself wishing for a deeper emotional connection to the characters. That said, there’s a lot going on beneath the stillness, and Cottle does a great job of creating a sense of unease without spelling everything out.
Not quite a favourite, but a moody, quiet novel that fans of literary fiction with a supernatural twist might appreciate.
Black River is an atmospheric and often haunting read, with writing that leans more poetic than plot-driven. Ruby Jean Cottle creates a vivid sense of place and an undercurrent of something darker always lurking just beneath the surface. It’s not a traditional horror or fantasy novel by any means, but there are... elements. Let’s just say some parts veer into the uncanny, with a slow reveal that blurs the line between grief, memory, and something more eternal.
The story unfolds gently, sometimes a little too gently for my taste—the pacing dragged in places, and I found myself wishing for a deeper emotional connection to the characters. That said, there’s a lot going on beneath the stillness, and Cottle does a great job of creating a sense of unease without spelling everything out.
Not quite a favourite, but a moody, quiet novel that fans of literary fiction with a supernatural twist might appreciate.
Read
August 25, 2025Black River follows Dusty, a teenager living in a small mountain town where strange, unsettling things seem to lurk beneath the surface. When she begins to unravel the truth about her family, her friendships, and the eerie forces surrounding her, Dusty is forced to confront both the paranormal and her own growing pains. Blending the creepy, mysterious vibe of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries with themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and finding your place, it’s a story that’s as much about emotional connection as it is about the supernatural.
What I liked most was how it balances paranormal tension with real human emotion -friendship, forgiveness, first love, and the messy, nostalgic process of figuring out who you are. Dusty as an FMC felt incredibly relatable, and her evolving bond with Will was tender, complicated, and believable, giving the story its emotional heartbeat. I wish he did get more screen-time though, he was a bit absent for my taste.
The pacing was really weird for me, it varied between dragging and adding room for reflection and mystery. It was somehow creepy and heartfelt at the same time.
What I liked most was how it balances paranormal tension with real human emotion -friendship, forgiveness, first love, and the messy, nostalgic process of figuring out who you are. Dusty as an FMC felt incredibly relatable, and her evolving bond with Will was tender, complicated, and believable, giving the story its emotional heartbeat. I wish he did get more screen-time though, he was a bit absent for my taste.
The pacing was really weird for me, it varied between dragging and adding room for reflection and mystery. It was somehow creepy and heartfelt at the same time.
September 8, 2025
I want to start off by saying the marketing team for this book was incredible and 100% SPOT ON. This gave THE BEST Vampire Diaries x Twilight vibes and also a little bit of Teen Wolf thrown in there.
The atmosphere is probably my favourite thing about this book. It is eerie and mysterious, it feels like there is always fog rolling in even when there isn’t (lol, hope this analogy makes sense).
I fell in love with all the characters- they are all so unique and well developed, and I loved seeing the character growth we see all of the characters go through.
The second book cannot come quick enough and I already know this is going to be a book I am going to reread next winter again for all of the atmosphere and eeriness.
The atmosphere is probably my favourite thing about this book. It is eerie and mysterious, it feels like there is always fog rolling in even when there isn’t (lol, hope this analogy makes sense).
I fell in love with all the characters- they are all so unique and well developed, and I loved seeing the character growth we see all of the characters go through.
The second book cannot come quick enough and I already know this is going to be a book I am going to reread next winter again for all of the atmosphere and eeriness.
September 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐
This one was a bit different from my usual reads, which is romance and romantasy. Aimed at younger YA readers, it's atmospheric, eerie, and rich in description. At times reminding me of Twilight, both small town and forested setting. However, there is very little romance.
It follows 17-year-old Dusty, as she wakes one morning realising that something has changed. Shifted. Her senses are sharper, her world feels different, and nothing is quite the same. As she grapples with her new reality, she finds comfort in Eli, who’s also experiencing the same strange transformation. Together, they search for answers, realising they're no longer entirely human.
This one was a bit different from my usual reads, which is romance and romantasy. Aimed at younger YA readers, it's atmospheric, eerie, and rich in description. At times reminding me of Twilight, both small town and forested setting. However, there is very little romance.
It follows 17-year-old Dusty, as she wakes one morning realising that something has changed. Shifted. Her senses are sharper, her world feels different, and nothing is quite the same. As she grapples with her new reality, she finds comfort in Eli, who’s also experiencing the same strange transformation. Together, they search for answers, realising they're no longer entirely human.
November 2, 2025
Este libro me ha recordado a libros de mi adolescencia como Hermosas criaturas, La casa de la noche, o la opción más obvia, Crepúsculo. No es que la historia se parezca, pero si me ha dado esas vibes y lo digo como algo positivo. Al principio me costó un poco, pero enseguida me enganché y me ha gustado mucho. Me ha mantenido intrigada y aunque al romance le cambiaría algunas cosas, no ha estado mal. Eso sí, pensaba que era autoconclusivo, pero con ese final supongo que no.
July 26, 2025
As it says on the tin. YA adventure featuring young female lead. Didn’t quite have enough depth for me. Definitely has an audience. Fantasy, Sci-Fi and romance. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this! It was easy to follow along and I was quite hooked. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
June 27, 2025
I wasn't certain what to anticipate from the book's summary, but this captivating, intriguing, and somewhat unsettling narrative exceeded my expectations in the best possible way.
The book's unique tone and unexpected twists made it a compelling page-turner. I was thoroughly engaged and enjoyed it immensely. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The book's unique tone and unexpected twists made it a compelling page-turner. I was thoroughly engaged and enjoyed it immensely. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 3, 2025
Couldn’t put it down! I loved the world built for this book, the descriptions of nature, and the characters felt very real. It kept me guessing until the end. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 19, 2025
Thanks heaps NetGalley and Ruby Jean Cottle for an early copy of this AMAZING book!
Man!! WHAT A RIDE!! From the get go, I was at the edge of my sit, couldn’t stop turning pages or thinking about it! It has been a while since a book has me so on edge!
There are plot twists that I didn’t expect, on this nowadays world that fantasy books have similar story lines.
It has heaps of thriller, sci-fi, fantasy vibes. For me is the three of them.
Made me gasp at times, made my heart hopeful and broken in several parts. Just perfection!
I would love a sequel!! I want to dig deeper into these characters and know what’s next for them
Ruby Jean Cottle you are a beauty! Thank you so much for this book! You have a great future ahead!
Man!! WHAT A RIDE!! From the get go, I was at the edge of my sit, couldn’t stop turning pages or thinking about it! It has been a while since a book has me so on edge!
There are plot twists that I didn’t expect, on this nowadays world that fantasy books have similar story lines.
It has heaps of thriller, sci-fi, fantasy vibes. For me is the three of them.
Made me gasp at times, made my heart hopeful and broken in several parts. Just perfection!
I would love a sequel!! I want to dig deeper into these characters and know what’s next for them
Ruby Jean Cottle you are a beauty! Thank you so much for this book! You have a great future ahead!
October 12, 2025
Una historia de vampiros al estilo Crepúsculo donde se muestran dos caras del ser humano, por un lado sucumbir a la naturaleza de lo que eres dejando a un lado tú humanidad y convirtiéndote en un depredador fuerte y por otro lado el sentir que, a pesar de en lo que la naturaleza te ha convertido, muchas por tu humanidad, tú nobleza.
La pluma de la autora es ágil, atrapante y entretenida. Ha creado una historia que combina amor, amistad, dolor y todo ello unido además a la vorágine de sentimientos característicos de la adolescencia.
El final me ha dejado descolocada porque no era lo que esperaba y creo que no me ha quedado muy claro del todo.
Si te gustan las historias al estilo Crepúsculo sin duda está historia te va a encantar.
La pluma de la autora es ágil, atrapante y entretenida. Ha creado una historia que combina amor, amistad, dolor y todo ello unido además a la vorágine de sentimientos característicos de la adolescencia.
El final me ha dejado descolocada porque no era lo que esperaba y creo que no me ha quedado muy claro del todo.
Si te gustan las historias al estilo Crepúsculo sin duda está historia te va a encantar.
July 30, 2025
A unique story that blends sci-fi, fantasy and a hint of romance. This had all the elements to make it an amazing read with an ending eager for me to read more. However, this felt like it was lacking the detail I wanted from this. It gives Twilight vibes (like in a 2000s writing style sort of way), which is okay, but it has its place and I don’t think it needed to be placed with this book. This is the perfect YA book for those that would like an easy to read book that is catered to teens.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🩸🖤 ⸸ 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘Ñ𝗔 ⸸ 🖤🩸
⸸ 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 ⸸
🖋 Autora: Ruby Yen Kotel
🏷 Editorial: Fawara
🦇 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐍 (sin spoilers)
En Black River, los adolescentes del pueblo empiezan a cambiar… y nadie está a salvo.
Dusty, una chica de 17 años que solo quiere refugiarse en sus libros y en la naturaleza que rodea su casa, despierta una mañana con su cuerpo, sus sentidos y sus deseos completamente alterados. Algo oscuro acecha en el bosque, y ella forma parte de ello.
Mientras intenta entender qué le está pasando —y por qué siente una extraña atracción por Will—, Dusty descubre que no es la única que ha cambiado. Fuerzas desconocidas, sed de sangre y un vínculo inesperado entre quienes comparten la misma noche que lo transforma todo marcarán el destino de Black River… y de todos los que viven allí.
🩸🌲 Vampiros, secretos, bosque y un pueblo donde nada es lo que parece.
🖤 𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎́𝐍
Empiezo por lo más importante: la pluma es muy ágil, con capítulos cortos que hacen que el libro se lea rapidísimo 📖⚡. Es una lectura entretenida y fluida.
Eso sí, aunque se vende con vibes Crepúsculo, yo no las he sentido. Y creo que eso me condicionó un poco, porque iba esperando algo concreto y me encontré otra cosa distinta. Más allá de que la protagonista vaya al instituto, no he visto grandes similitudes.
Dusty me ha parecido una protagonista muy real: imperfecta, emocional, con reacciones creíbles y una evolución que sí me ha gustado a lo largo de la historia.
Pero si hay algo que realmente me ha conquistado ha sido el vínculo entre Dusty y Ellie 🩸🖤. Esa conexión que nace tras la noche que lo cambia todo, esa necesidad de protegerse, apoyarse y permanecer juntos aunque antes no tuvieran ninguna afinidad… Para mí, es lo mejor del libro.
La trama romántica entre Dusty y Will no ha conseguido engancharme, pero en cambio Opie, la hermana de Dusty, me ha encantado. Una relación entre hermanas preciosa, muy bien construida, y un personaje que demuestra madurez, fuerza y cariño. Sin duda, mi favorita ✨
En cuanto al tono, aunque está catalogado como young adult, para mí tiene más de young que de adult. En algunos momentos me ha resultado demasiado juvenil, y creo que para un público algo más joven funcionaría incluso mejor.
🩸🦇 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
🩸 Vampiros
🌲 Pueblo pequeño con secretos
🖤 Cambios sobrenaturales
🤍 Vínculos inesperados
🩸 Sed de sangre
👭 Hermanas unidas
🌑 Misterio en el bosque
📖 Coming of age paranormal
⸸ 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 ⸸
🖋 Autora: Ruby Yen Kotel
🏷 Editorial: Fawara
🦇 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐍 (sin spoilers)
En Black River, los adolescentes del pueblo empiezan a cambiar… y nadie está a salvo.
Dusty, una chica de 17 años que solo quiere refugiarse en sus libros y en la naturaleza que rodea su casa, despierta una mañana con su cuerpo, sus sentidos y sus deseos completamente alterados. Algo oscuro acecha en el bosque, y ella forma parte de ello.
Mientras intenta entender qué le está pasando —y por qué siente una extraña atracción por Will—, Dusty descubre que no es la única que ha cambiado. Fuerzas desconocidas, sed de sangre y un vínculo inesperado entre quienes comparten la misma noche que lo transforma todo marcarán el destino de Black River… y de todos los que viven allí.
🩸🌲 Vampiros, secretos, bosque y un pueblo donde nada es lo que parece.
🖤 𝐌𝐈 𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎́𝐍
Empiezo por lo más importante: la pluma es muy ágil, con capítulos cortos que hacen que el libro se lea rapidísimo 📖⚡. Es una lectura entretenida y fluida.
Eso sí, aunque se vende con vibes Crepúsculo, yo no las he sentido. Y creo que eso me condicionó un poco, porque iba esperando algo concreto y me encontré otra cosa distinta. Más allá de que la protagonista vaya al instituto, no he visto grandes similitudes.
Dusty me ha parecido una protagonista muy real: imperfecta, emocional, con reacciones creíbles y una evolución que sí me ha gustado a lo largo de la historia.
Pero si hay algo que realmente me ha conquistado ha sido el vínculo entre Dusty y Ellie 🩸🖤. Esa conexión que nace tras la noche que lo cambia todo, esa necesidad de protegerse, apoyarse y permanecer juntos aunque antes no tuvieran ninguna afinidad… Para mí, es lo mejor del libro.
La trama romántica entre Dusty y Will no ha conseguido engancharme, pero en cambio Opie, la hermana de Dusty, me ha encantado. Una relación entre hermanas preciosa, muy bien construida, y un personaje que demuestra madurez, fuerza y cariño. Sin duda, mi favorita ✨
En cuanto al tono, aunque está catalogado como young adult, para mí tiene más de young que de adult. En algunos momentos me ha resultado demasiado juvenil, y creo que para un público algo más joven funcionaría incluso mejor.
🩸🦇 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
🩸 Vampiros
🌲 Pueblo pequeño con secretos
🖤 Cambios sobrenaturales
🤍 Vínculos inesperados
🩸 Sed de sangre
👭 Hermanas unidas
🌑 Misterio en el bosque
📖 Coming of age paranormal
October 13, 2025
No hay advertencias. No hay preparación posible. Black River te atrapa desde la primera página con la precisión de un depredador paciente: primero te rodea, luego te empuja al bosque y, cuando te das cuenta, ya estás demasiado dentro para retroceder. En cada línea se escucha el crujido de las ramas, el murmullo de algo que acecha y la certeza de que nada es tan inofensivo como parece.
Dusty, 17 años, vive atrapada en un rincón donde el silencio pesa más que las palabras. Su madre desapareció sin dejar respuestas, su padre y su hermana sobreviven como pueden, y ella habita entre árboles y sombras, en ese punto exacto donde la calma se vuelve sospechosa. Hasta que una mañana despierta distinta: sentidos agudos, impulsos nuevos, y una sed que no entiende… pero que la entiende demasiado bien.
Lo que empieza como un despertar inquietante pronto se convierte en un viaje hacia lo desconocido: cuerpos que cambian, verdades enterradas y un chico nuevo, Will, cuya presencia parece desenredar hilos que llevaban demasiado tiempo tensos. No es una historia de romance edulcorado ni de miradas eternas bajo el sol: aquí la tensión es densa, casi física, y la oscuridad no se esconde, espera.
Ruby Jean Cottle entrelaza el coming of age con el suspense sobrenatural y un aire vampírico que evita clichés. La naturaleza se erige como un personaje silencioso pero omnipresente; el bosque no es un decorado, es un escenario vivo que observa y, en ocasiones, reclama. Los secundarios tienen peso real, Dusty brilla sin perder su vulnerabilidad y la autora construye la intriga con precisión quirúrgica: nunca da todo, pero siempre da lo suficiente para que quieras más.
Y sí… hay un gesto intencionado, un anzuelo lanzado con destreza a los lectores de Crepúsculo. Los elementos están ahí: el bosque, el chico enigmático, la transformación. Pero aquí no hay brillo ni suspiros adolescentes sin consecuencias. Aquí la historia se oscurece, se tensa y avisa: si vas a entrar, no esperes que te rescaten.
En resumen:
Naturaleza viva.
Deseos inconfesables.
Un inicio de saga que no pide permiso, susurra… y muerde.
Black River es una lectura envolvente, con la cadencia de una amenaza que se acerca despacio. Una historia que no solo quiere entretenerte: quiere que mires al bosque y te preguntes qué te devolvería la mirada.
Dusty, 17 años, vive atrapada en un rincón donde el silencio pesa más que las palabras. Su madre desapareció sin dejar respuestas, su padre y su hermana sobreviven como pueden, y ella habita entre árboles y sombras, en ese punto exacto donde la calma se vuelve sospechosa. Hasta que una mañana despierta distinta: sentidos agudos, impulsos nuevos, y una sed que no entiende… pero que la entiende demasiado bien.
Lo que empieza como un despertar inquietante pronto se convierte en un viaje hacia lo desconocido: cuerpos que cambian, verdades enterradas y un chico nuevo, Will, cuya presencia parece desenredar hilos que llevaban demasiado tiempo tensos. No es una historia de romance edulcorado ni de miradas eternas bajo el sol: aquí la tensión es densa, casi física, y la oscuridad no se esconde, espera.
Ruby Jean Cottle entrelaza el coming of age con el suspense sobrenatural y un aire vampírico que evita clichés. La naturaleza se erige como un personaje silencioso pero omnipresente; el bosque no es un decorado, es un escenario vivo que observa y, en ocasiones, reclama. Los secundarios tienen peso real, Dusty brilla sin perder su vulnerabilidad y la autora construye la intriga con precisión quirúrgica: nunca da todo, pero siempre da lo suficiente para que quieras más.
Y sí… hay un gesto intencionado, un anzuelo lanzado con destreza a los lectores de Crepúsculo. Los elementos están ahí: el bosque, el chico enigmático, la transformación. Pero aquí no hay brillo ni suspiros adolescentes sin consecuencias. Aquí la historia se oscurece, se tensa y avisa: si vas a entrar, no esperes que te rescaten.
En resumen:
Naturaleza viva.
Deseos inconfesables.
Un inicio de saga que no pide permiso, susurra… y muerde.
Black River es una lectura envolvente, con la cadencia de una amenaza que se acerca despacio. Una historia que no solo quiere entretenerte: quiere que mires al bosque y te preguntes qué te devolvería la mirada.
August 26, 2025
⛰️
⚜️ Book Title - Black River
⚜️ Author - Ruby Jean Cottle
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Fiction and Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via Atria. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
I’ll start by saying that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. It’s so eye-catching that I couldn’t help but be drawn in. I’m genuinely obsessed with the artistry and it immediately made me want to dive straight into the story. The blurb only added to my interest.
So, the concepts and underlying mystery throughout the book kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages, and I did find the story enjoyable overall. That said, I struggled to form a strong emotional connection with any of the characters. While they each had potential, I never felt fully immersed or invested.
I also found at times, the pacing felt a little uneven. Certain sections of the plot dragged, leaving me waiting for that spark of “something more” to really kick the story into gear. I wanted more moments of high tension or impactful revelations to match the build-up.
Some scenes also leaned heavily into the YA genre, which in itself isn’t a problem, but they felt framed through a more modern, Gen Z cultural lens. As a millennial reader, a few of those moments didn’t quite resonate with me in the way the author may have intended, and I found myself a little outside of the experience. *insert the lady doing advance calculus meme aka way overthinking what should be an easy task*
While this book didn’t completely sweep me up, it had elements to keep me intrigued and engaged enough to see it through. I probably rounded it up to a 3 star.
I would lightly recommend this book to others with explaining the tropes.
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.
⚜️ Book Title - Black River
⚜️ Author - Ruby Jean Cottle
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Fiction and Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via Atria. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
I’ll start by saying that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. It’s so eye-catching that I couldn’t help but be drawn in. I’m genuinely obsessed with the artistry and it immediately made me want to dive straight into the story. The blurb only added to my interest.
So, the concepts and underlying mystery throughout the book kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages, and I did find the story enjoyable overall. That said, I struggled to form a strong emotional connection with any of the characters. While they each had potential, I never felt fully immersed or invested.
I also found at times, the pacing felt a little uneven. Certain sections of the plot dragged, leaving me waiting for that spark of “something more” to really kick the story into gear. I wanted more moments of high tension or impactful revelations to match the build-up.
Some scenes also leaned heavily into the YA genre, which in itself isn’t a problem, but they felt framed through a more modern, Gen Z cultural lens. As a millennial reader, a few of those moments didn’t quite resonate with me in the way the author may have intended, and I found myself a little outside of the experience. *insert the lady doing advance calculus meme aka way overthinking what should be an easy task*
While this book didn’t completely sweep me up, it had elements to keep me intrigued and engaged enough to see it through. I probably rounded it up to a 3 star.
I would lightly recommend this book to others with explaining the tropes.
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.
July 8, 2025
This one’s going on the favourites list!
Black River is a modern day sci-fi fantasy (light on the sci-fi) with a splash of horror. It follows Dusty, a 17 year old who one week starts going through some weird changes that make her question who she is. She has a hunger she can barely control, especially around Will who she just started to connect with.
The writing of this book absolutely sucked me in. Dusty's connection with the land and the world around her to quite literally ground herself felt visceral in the descriptions. I could almost hear the sounds of the forest and feel the soil between my toes.
I do wonder what it is that I still really enjoy about YA books as I'm getting into my 30s, but I couldn't put this book down. It's very vibey, and reminiscent of The Vampire Diaries (TV show as I’ve not read the books to compare) but maybe a little less melodramatic. There's a dark overtone because of the plot (if you don't like blood, this isn't for you) and some quite detailed descriptions that had me completely invested in what was happening to the characters.
The teens all feel like real people, with their own worries and anxieties - and the way the author ties it all into what's happening just made for a perfect book.
If I had any critiques at all, it would be that the third person switching perspectives is maybe a little confusing a couple times throughout the book. I was able to get my head around them but I could see how it might put someone else off.
Absolutely fantastic debut, from an Aussie author - I have a deep hunger for the next book as that cliffhanger… I need to know where it goes.
Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
Black River is a modern day sci-fi fantasy (light on the sci-fi) with a splash of horror. It follows Dusty, a 17 year old who one week starts going through some weird changes that make her question who she is. She has a hunger she can barely control, especially around Will who she just started to connect with.
The writing of this book absolutely sucked me in. Dusty's connection with the land and the world around her to quite literally ground herself felt visceral in the descriptions. I could almost hear the sounds of the forest and feel the soil between my toes.
I do wonder what it is that I still really enjoy about YA books as I'm getting into my 30s, but I couldn't put this book down. It's very vibey, and reminiscent of The Vampire Diaries (TV show as I’ve not read the books to compare) but maybe a little less melodramatic. There's a dark overtone because of the plot (if you don't like blood, this isn't for you) and some quite detailed descriptions that had me completely invested in what was happening to the characters.
The teens all feel like real people, with their own worries and anxieties - and the way the author ties it all into what's happening just made for a perfect book.
If I had any critiques at all, it would be that the third person switching perspectives is maybe a little confusing a couple times throughout the book. I was able to get my head around them but I could see how it might put someone else off.
Absolutely fantastic debut, from an Aussie author - I have a deep hunger for the next book as that cliffhanger… I need to know where it goes.
Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
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