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El río sabe tu nombre
Una novela de terror contemporáneo con elementos de realismo mágico y ambientación gótica
Conocía bien la nunca resucites nada más grande que una mano. Pero eso fue antes de que su hermana muriera.
Cuando su hermana mayor aparece misteriosamente ahogada en el río que atraviesa su pequeño pueblo costero, Han Soojin decide saltarse todas las reglas y usar la magia ancestral de su familia para devolverle la vida a Mirae. Al principio, las hermanas están disfrutan de escapadas nocturnas y del milagro de estar juntas de nuevo, pero Mirae se cansa de esconderse del mundo. Se vuelve inquieta… y hambrienta.
Impulsada por un deseo insaciable de terminar lo que dejó inconcluso en vida y de revelar la verdad que, tantos años atrás, destrozó a su familia, Mirae sale en busca de venganza.
Cuando el pueblo queda envuelto en unas lluvias cada vez más destructivas y en una serie de muertes extrañas y aterradoras, Soojin se ve obligada a aceptar que quizás la hermana que trajo de vuelta no sea la misma que conocía.
Conocía bien la nunca resucites nada más grande que una mano. Pero eso fue antes de que su hermana muriera.
Cuando su hermana mayor aparece misteriosamente ahogada en el río que atraviesa su pequeño pueblo costero, Han Soojin decide saltarse todas las reglas y usar la magia ancestral de su familia para devolverle la vida a Mirae. Al principio, las hermanas están disfrutan de escapadas nocturnas y del milagro de estar juntas de nuevo, pero Mirae se cansa de esconderse del mundo. Se vuelve inquieta… y hambrienta.
Impulsada por un deseo insaciable de terminar lo que dejó inconcluso en vida y de revelar la verdad que, tantos años atrás, destrozó a su familia, Mirae sale en busca de venganza.
Cuando el pueblo queda envuelto en unas lluvias cada vez más destructivas y en una serie de muertes extrañas y aterradoras, Soojin se ve obligada a aceptar que quizás la hermana que trajo de vuelta no sea la misma que conocía.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
About the author
Jihyun Yun
6 books266 followersJihyun Yun is a Korean American author from the the San Francisco Bay Area. Her Prairie Schooner Prize winning debut collection SOME ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY was published by University of Nebraska Press in September 2020. Her debut young adult novel AND THE RIVER DRAGS HER DOWN was published by Knopf BFYR in 2025 and has translations forthcoming in ten languages. Her sophomore book GOOD CREATURE will be published in 2027.
Her work has been published in Best New Poets, Narrative Magazine, Adroit and elsewhere. She currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Her work has been published in Best New Poets, Narrative Magazine, Adroit and elsewhere. She currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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March 26, 2025Dear readers,
Now that RIVER is available to request on Netgalley for early reviewers, I thought I would make a stop here to drop a brief line and some trigger warnings before leaving this page, as it should be, for readers.
First, thank you so much to everyone who spends time with the characters in these pages. Like so many authors debuting right now, I began writing RIVER in 2020 during a time of both acute isolation and communal grief. Navigating both of these feelings through the actions and mistakes of my main character Soojin taught me so much about the dangers of taking the boundless haunting of grief and trying to bury rather than address it. I hope you love these messy, tender-hearted characters as much as I do.
This book can be a heavy read. If you like to go into a book prepared, here are trigger warnings: death of a sibling and parent. Violence against bodies, both human and animal. Parentification.
And with that, I'll exit this space so everyone can feel comfortable to review this book honestly! I will not be engaging with any reviews or comments on Goodreads, but I can be found on Instagram or contacted via my website.
This book, in all ways, is yours now. Thank you for being here <3
Jihyun Yun
Now that RIVER is available to request on Netgalley for early reviewers, I thought I would make a stop here to drop a brief line and some trigger warnings before leaving this page, as it should be, for readers.
First, thank you so much to everyone who spends time with the characters in these pages. Like so many authors debuting right now, I began writing RIVER in 2020 during a time of both acute isolation and communal grief. Navigating both of these feelings through the actions and mistakes of my main character Soojin taught me so much about the dangers of taking the boundless haunting of grief and trying to bury rather than address it. I hope you love these messy, tender-hearted characters as much as I do.
This book can be a heavy read. If you like to go into a book prepared, here are trigger warnings: death of a sibling and parent. Violence against bodies, both human and animal. Parentification.
And with that, I'll exit this space so everyone can feel comfortable to review this book honestly! I will not be engaging with any reviews or comments on Goodreads, but I can be found on Instagram or contacted via my website.
This book, in all ways, is yours now. Thank you for being here <3
Jihyun Yun
October 11, 2025
I love it when a stunning cover leads me to a stunning story. This was the kind of hard-hitting YA that I rarely find anymore, made perfect with painful explorations of grief and loneliness and super intriguing plot elements like casual necromancy and water horror.
17-year-old Soojin Han is no stranger to death and while she is used to simply resurrecting her pet rat every time it dies, things are not as easy with her dead mother and sister. Soojin was told all her life to never bring back something that's bigger than a small animal, and so she has the power of life in her hands and is still surrounded by death. The book is very grief-heavy right from the start and has a tense atmosphere throughout. Soojin often reflects on her losses in heartbreaking scenes that almost made me cry. At the same time she is a character who is not really familiar with the concept of letting go and moving on, because her power usually allows her to cheat death. Her world still seems devoid of all happiness and in the beginning it was remarkably well shown how Soojin was at the darkest point in her life. It's easy to condemn a character when they end up doing something that they were always warned about, but that did not happen here. I could understand her completely when she eventually tried to resurrect her sister Mirae as it seemed like the only way out of her situation. Soojin manages to bring her sister back and she couldn't be happier about it, but some things are off about Mirae. She can't remember her own name and she's always ravenous and now strangely connected to the water that once killed her. The sisters try to go on with their everyday lives and the book also shows some ordinary teen moments, but I had the constant feeling that everything was leading up to disaster. I was hooked from the beginning, but the second half of the book got even more intense and grim. The water horror was one of my favorite parts of the story, but be aware that the book is overall more rooted in reality than in fantasy. There are paranormal elements and they are integral to the story, but I still wouldn't describe this as a YA fantasy novel. It was more grounded and character-focused, with every single character really going through it. We mainly follow Soojin, but there are multiple other POVs and eventually we get to know the complicated pasts of many different people and the history of the entire town. The book could have been a little shorter for my liking, but the writing was very strong and often lyrical and it always had me gripped. I will definitely keep an eye out for future releases by Jihyun Yun, because this was absolutely fantastic in my opinion and I would love to read more from this author.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
17-year-old Soojin Han is no stranger to death and while she is used to simply resurrecting her pet rat every time it dies, things are not as easy with her dead mother and sister. Soojin was told all her life to never bring back something that's bigger than a small animal, and so she has the power of life in her hands and is still surrounded by death. The book is very grief-heavy right from the start and has a tense atmosphere throughout. Soojin often reflects on her losses in heartbreaking scenes that almost made me cry. At the same time she is a character who is not really familiar with the concept of letting go and moving on, because her power usually allows her to cheat death. Her world still seems devoid of all happiness and in the beginning it was remarkably well shown how Soojin was at the darkest point in her life. It's easy to condemn a character when they end up doing something that they were always warned about, but that did not happen here. I could understand her completely when she eventually tried to resurrect her sister Mirae as it seemed like the only way out of her situation. Soojin manages to bring her sister back and she couldn't be happier about it, but some things are off about Mirae. She can't remember her own name and she's always ravenous and now strangely connected to the water that once killed her. The sisters try to go on with their everyday lives and the book also shows some ordinary teen moments, but I had the constant feeling that everything was leading up to disaster. I was hooked from the beginning, but the second half of the book got even more intense and grim. The water horror was one of my favorite parts of the story, but be aware that the book is overall more rooted in reality than in fantasy. There are paranormal elements and they are integral to the story, but I still wouldn't describe this as a YA fantasy novel. It was more grounded and character-focused, with every single character really going through it. We mainly follow Soojin, but there are multiple other POVs and eventually we get to know the complicated pasts of many different people and the history of the entire town. The book could have been a little shorter for my liking, but the writing was very strong and often lyrical and it always had me gripped. I will definitely keep an eye out for future releases by Jihyun Yun, because this was absolutely fantastic in my opinion and I would love to read more from this author.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
A lyrical, eerie dive into grief, sisterhood, and the dangerous magic of not letting go.
I’ve read my fair share of YA horror and magical realism, but And the River Drags Her Down swept me into its depths in a way I didn’t expect. This isn’t your typical “raise the dead” tale. It’s tender, terrifying, slow-burning, and steeped in the quiet ache of longing—for connection, for answers, for one more moment with the person you’ve lost.
Soojin’s story unfolds like a haunting lullaby, quiet and melodic, with sudden jolts that leave you breathless. After her sister Mirae’s mysterious drowning, Soojin reaches for the one thing that has always been forbidden in her family’s legacy of necromancy: bringing back a human. Of course she breaks the rule. Of course she can’t let go. She’s not just a girl mourning her sister—she’s someone drowning in the weight of silence, secrets, and generational grief.
And when Mirae returns… she’s not the same.
What I loved most was the emotional complexity layered beneath the horror. Yes, there’s dark magic and atmospheric tension—a rain-drenched coastal town, a family-run B&B haunted by memories, whispers of ancestral power—but the heart of this novel beats loudest in the tender, tangled bond between sisters. Soojin’s desperation feels real. Her decisions, even when flawed, feel deeply human. And Mirae’s slow unraveling is as heartbreaking as it is chilling.
The pacing is deliberately slow at times, which may not work for everyone, but I appreciated the space it gave for reflection and emotional buildup. It’s less jump-scare horror, more creeping dread—the kind that settles under your skin. I also loved the incorporation of Korean cultural elements and the way it tackled racism and isolation in small-town America without ever feeling forced or preachy. The writing is lush and evocative, filled with poignant metaphors and imagery that lingers.
The supporting characters—especially Soojin’s father and friend Mark—added depth, and while I wished we had more insight into Mirae’s perspective, the multiple POVs kept the tension tight and the emotions raw.
This is a story about resurrection—but not just of bodies. Of old wounds. Of unspoken truths. Of the pain we bury and the love that refuses to die.
A beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that balances horror and heart with remarkable grace. It didn’t just spook me—it moved me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — a gorgeously crafted tale that reminds us how far we’ll go for the people we love, even if it means losing ourselves along the way.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this unforgettable, genre-blending mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I’ve read my fair share of YA horror and magical realism, but And the River Drags Her Down swept me into its depths in a way I didn’t expect. This isn’t your typical “raise the dead” tale. It’s tender, terrifying, slow-burning, and steeped in the quiet ache of longing—for connection, for answers, for one more moment with the person you’ve lost.
Soojin’s story unfolds like a haunting lullaby, quiet and melodic, with sudden jolts that leave you breathless. After her sister Mirae’s mysterious drowning, Soojin reaches for the one thing that has always been forbidden in her family’s legacy of necromancy: bringing back a human. Of course she breaks the rule. Of course she can’t let go. She’s not just a girl mourning her sister—she’s someone drowning in the weight of silence, secrets, and generational grief.
And when Mirae returns… she’s not the same.
What I loved most was the emotional complexity layered beneath the horror. Yes, there’s dark magic and atmospheric tension—a rain-drenched coastal town, a family-run B&B haunted by memories, whispers of ancestral power—but the heart of this novel beats loudest in the tender, tangled bond between sisters. Soojin’s desperation feels real. Her decisions, even when flawed, feel deeply human. And Mirae’s slow unraveling is as heartbreaking as it is chilling.
The pacing is deliberately slow at times, which may not work for everyone, but I appreciated the space it gave for reflection and emotional buildup. It’s less jump-scare horror, more creeping dread—the kind that settles under your skin. I also loved the incorporation of Korean cultural elements and the way it tackled racism and isolation in small-town America without ever feeling forced or preachy. The writing is lush and evocative, filled with poignant metaphors and imagery that lingers.
The supporting characters—especially Soojin’s father and friend Mark—added depth, and while I wished we had more insight into Mirae’s perspective, the multiple POVs kept the tension tight and the emotions raw.
This is a story about resurrection—but not just of bodies. Of old wounds. Of unspoken truths. Of the pain we bury and the love that refuses to die.
A beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that balances horror and heart with remarkable grace. It didn’t just spook me—it moved me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — a gorgeously crafted tale that reminds us how far we’ll go for the people we love, even if it means losing ourselves along the way.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the chance to read this unforgettable, genre-blending mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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October 19, 2025
4,5 ⭐ rounded up because firstly, it’s a debut novel and I still find that hard to believe; secondly, this being a YA horror is just a smidgen of the truth; and finally, I’m still trying to blink away tears.
Take Korean folklore of mul gwisin (or water ghost), necromancy magic as a Han family heirloom passed down to the women, the atmospheric setting of a small town, and you have the perfect spooky vibes for the spooky season. It’s just the bare bones of the story, though.
Because the unseen protagonists of And The River Drags Her Down are grief and intense yearning for something you’ll never get back, starring in the story of how loss can warp people into unrecognizable beings, while still being painfully human. It’s also a tale of sisterhood, of familial love so fierce it’s ready to burn everything to ash. And finally, of retribution from beyond the grave.
Soojin Han has been struggling - first, her family lost their mom, and now it’s been a few months since her older sister Mirae’s drowning. And in the moment of all-consuming desperation, Soojin does what her mother always cautioned against - she tries to revive something much bigger than a small animal.
Soojin wasn’t a very likable character, her grief and loneliness manifesting as angry, sharp thorns ready to protect her against any slight - especially against worry or care others try to show her. Being in her head wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t meant to be.
Most of all, I loved how it’s not just Soojin’s story, but also Mirae’s, the sister who was forced to grow up after their mother’s death, to become the sole emotional anchor for everyone but herself. Together with all the side characters who got their own voice and could tell their stories, this book created a complex and immersive narrative that left an impact.
”What does that make me, Mark? That I can love somebody and still wish them pain, just so I’m not alone with mine?”
A soft rustling beside her, and a hand cupped her cheek.
“Human,” he said, directing her face so she turned toward him. “It makes you human.”
Mark Moon, I can’t help but mention you. You stole my heart with how affectionate and patient, and altogether great a friend you are.
Bentley Porter... I was determined to despise you, and by the end, I cried for you. I honestly wish you all the best.
And Soojin’s relationship with her father had me in a choke-hold. It was very strained at first, both survivors yet strangers to each other. But my god, when they finally managed to talk, it brought me to tears. Especially because it was clear they’re cut from the same cloth, and communication is hard for them both.
When it comes to the writing, it’s simply stunning, immediately sinking its hooks into you and dragging you deep in. At first, the shifting POV (in third person) within a chapter, and the hopping between past and present, were a bit jarring, but once I got used to it, the flow became seamless.
It would honestly look incredible on a big screen as a hard-hitting folk horror movie - because yes, some of those water-based body horror scenes were nauseating and creepy. I loved it 🖤
'His gaping mouth pooled with brackish water, dark with silt. And from it a white lotus grew, its stem thrust up his esophagus. Flower of renewal. Flower of rot. Its petals were just beginning to open. When it bloomed, a single blue eye darted wildly where the stamen should have been.'
I can’t wait for more stories by Jihyun Yun, my attention and anticipation are hers!
Huge thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an e-ARC! And The River Drags Her Down is out now.
Take Korean folklore of mul gwisin (or water ghost), necromancy magic as a Han family heirloom passed down to the women, the atmospheric setting of a small town, and you have the perfect spooky vibes for the spooky season. It’s just the bare bones of the story, though.
Because the unseen protagonists of And The River Drags Her Down are grief and intense yearning for something you’ll never get back, starring in the story of how loss can warp people into unrecognizable beings, while still being painfully human. It’s also a tale of sisterhood, of familial love so fierce it’s ready to burn everything to ash. And finally, of retribution from beyond the grave.
Soojin Han has been struggling - first, her family lost their mom, and now it’s been a few months since her older sister Mirae’s drowning. And in the moment of all-consuming desperation, Soojin does what her mother always cautioned against - she tries to revive something much bigger than a small animal.
Soojin wasn’t a very likable character, her grief and loneliness manifesting as angry, sharp thorns ready to protect her against any slight - especially against worry or care others try to show her. Being in her head wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t meant to be.
Most of all, I loved how it’s not just Soojin’s story, but also Mirae’s, the sister who was forced to grow up after their mother’s death, to become the sole emotional anchor for everyone but herself. Together with all the side characters who got their own voice and could tell their stories, this book created a complex and immersive narrative that left an impact.
”What does that make me, Mark? That I can love somebody and still wish them pain, just so I’m not alone with mine?”
A soft rustling beside her, and a hand cupped her cheek.
“Human,” he said, directing her face so she turned toward him. “It makes you human.”
Mark Moon, I can’t help but mention you. You stole my heart with how affectionate and patient, and altogether great a friend you are.
Bentley Porter... I was determined to despise you, and by the end, I cried for you. I honestly wish you all the best.
And Soojin’s relationship with her father had me in a choke-hold. It was very strained at first, both survivors yet strangers to each other. But my god, when they finally managed to talk, it brought me to tears. Especially because it was clear they’re cut from the same cloth, and communication is hard for them both.
When it comes to the writing, it’s simply stunning, immediately sinking its hooks into you and dragging you deep in. At first, the shifting POV (in third person) within a chapter, and the hopping between past and present, were a bit jarring, but once I got used to it, the flow became seamless.
It would honestly look incredible on a big screen as a hard-hitting folk horror movie - because yes, some of those water-based body horror scenes were nauseating and creepy. I loved it 🖤
'His gaping mouth pooled with brackish water, dark with silt. And from it a white lotus grew, its stem thrust up his esophagus. Flower of renewal. Flower of rot. Its petals were just beginning to open. When it bloomed, a single blue eye darted wildly where the stamen should have been.'
I can’t wait for more stories by Jihyun Yun, my attention and anticipation are hers!
Huge thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an e-ARC! And The River Drags Her Down is out now.
Read
January 4, 2026A girl with ancestral magic to bring things back from the dead resurrects her older sister at the expense of endangering their town with destructive rain and unusual deaths. This was my favorite YA book of the year because of Jihyun’s poetic writing style, the explorations of grief, and the creative ways of incorporating water with hauntings, deaths, and reconciliation. During a time where publishing favors epic grand stories and sweeping romantasies, it’s always such a pleasure to find a quiet gem that so excellently proves YA can still be a banger.
April 29, 2025
♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥
This fictional book made me feel sad and heartbroken. This is in the young adult horror genre. It is about resurrection and the depths of sisterhood. This story has a very good premise and I found it to be well executed. This book is a very dark and emotional medium paced read. It felt more like an adult mystery to me. I found it to be sad and heartbreaking because of the animals in this story. The cover of this book is extremely beautiful! It comes with magic, revenge, gothic vibes and family myths. This is a slow burn horror book.
♥ Synopsis ♥
“And The River Drags Her Down” is about a seventeen year old Korean American girl that has magic! She can resurrect the dead. However, she is only supposed to resurrect small creatures no bigger than her hand. Her older sister was found dead mysteriously in a river, by drowning. Instead of going by the rules of only resurrecting creatures no bigger than her hand, she goes against it, to bring her Sister back. As this story unravels, we see happiness between these two sisters. However, there is something different about the sister she brought back to life. Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Content Warnings & Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, violence against humans, violence against animals and parentification. I think people who like to read resurrection books that can handle the trigger warnings would enjoy this one.
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jihyun Yun and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025
♥ Quick Review ♥
◾️ Resurrection
✔️ Young Adult Genre
◾️ Gothic Vibes
✔️ Family Myths
◾️ Slow Burn Horror
✔️ Check Content Warnings
◾️ About Sisterhood
✔️ Fantasy
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This fictional book made me feel sad and heartbroken. This is in the young adult horror genre. It is about resurrection and the depths of sisterhood. This story has a very good premise and I found it to be well executed. This book is a very dark and emotional medium paced read. It felt more like an adult mystery to me. I found it to be sad and heartbreaking because of the animals in this story. The cover of this book is extremely beautiful! It comes with magic, revenge, gothic vibes and family myths. This is a slow burn horror book.
♥ Synopsis ♥
“And The River Drags Her Down” is about a seventeen year old Korean American girl that has magic! She can resurrect the dead. However, she is only supposed to resurrect small creatures no bigger than her hand. Her older sister was found dead mysteriously in a river, by drowning. Instead of going by the rules of only resurrecting creatures no bigger than her hand, she goes against it, to bring her Sister back. As this story unravels, we see happiness between these two sisters. However, there is something different about the sister she brought back to life. Overall, I give this a 3 out of 5 stars rating.
♥ Content Warnings & Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
Content warnings include death, violence against humans, violence against animals and parentification. I think people who like to read resurrection books that can handle the trigger warnings would enjoy this one.
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jihyun Yun and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025
♥ Quick Review ♥
◾️ Resurrection
✔️ Young Adult Genre
◾️ Gothic Vibes
✔️ Family Myths
◾️ Slow Burn Horror
✔️ Check Content Warnings
◾️ About Sisterhood
✔️ Fantasy
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
November 12, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
this was a fantastic horror novel with mystery/thriller elements; at first, i didn’t feel that horror was an accurate genre for this book, but as i continued reading it dawned on me that women being pursued by men and then being killed by a man when she rejects him will always be a horrifying reality so long as it’s a societal norm.
i will also always appreciate an author that takes the time to make water an important aspect in horror, as there as so many different oppressed peoples from different cultures that have difficult relationships with water due to the looming implications of death and separation from their motherland and identities.
the way the mystery slowly unravelled was well done in my opinion; i also really loved our fmc soojin’s character growth, especially where it concerns her ability to play god by bringing dead things back to life… her little pet rat💔
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a great job!
this was a fantastic horror novel with mystery/thriller elements; at first, i didn’t feel that horror was an accurate genre for this book, but as i continued reading it dawned on me that women being pursued by men and then being killed by a man when she rejects him will always be a horrifying reality so long as it’s a societal norm.
i will also always appreciate an author that takes the time to make water an important aspect in horror, as there as so many different oppressed peoples from different cultures that have difficult relationships with water due to the looming implications of death and separation from their motherland and identities.
the way the mystery slowly unravelled was well done in my opinion; i also really loved our fmc soojin’s character growth, especially where it concerns her ability to play god by bringing dead things back to life… her little pet rat💔
i also listened to the audio, and the narrator did a great job!
April 1, 2025
A drowned sister, grief strong enough to use ancestral magic to resurrect her, and the hunger for revenge.
Immaculate vibes and atmosphere its no surprise this author’s first book was a work of poetry. The prose is stunning and lyrical and feels heavy enough to transport you without ever weighing you down in the details.
Family forward with a heavy focus on sisterhood in all its messy glory.
An absolutely beautiful portrayal of grief.
and don’t forget feminine rage, revenge, and previously mentioned necromancy!
Slower at times, this book feels like in meanders a bit, relishing in the journey rather than the destination.
Perfect for fall.
| IG | TikTok |
Immaculate vibes and atmosphere its no surprise this author’s first book was a work of poetry. The prose is stunning and lyrical and feels heavy enough to transport you without ever weighing you down in the details.
Family forward with a heavy focus on sisterhood in all its messy glory.
An absolutely beautiful portrayal of grief.
and don’t forget feminine rage, revenge, and previously mentioned necromancy!
Slower at times, this book feels like in meanders a bit, relishing in the journey rather than the destination.
Perfect for fall.
| IG | TikTok |
September 30, 2025
This is by far, hands down, one of the most beautiful, haunting, and heartbreaking books I have ever read. It’s a story of love, a story of loss, abandonment, and the refusal to let go, even when it’s poisoning you. (Also, new fear unlocked of Korean water spirits/ghosts. Thanks for that.) I really am at a loss for words. As a debut novel, this speaks volumes for author Jihyun Yun’s future. I am stunned at the intricate dance between love and loss, and why not letting go can drown you. It’s the perfect October read for your fall/spooky TBR. Just have your tissues ready, because it’s going to bring you to tears. (And you won’t want it any other way.)
And the River Drags Her Down hits shelves on October 7. You are definitely going to want to grab this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
And the River Drags Her Down hits shelves on October 7. You are definitely going to want to grab this one!
Thank you to Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
Romanzo sul lutto, sul rifiuto di una perdita, sulla vendetta e sull'illusione che punire duramente coloro che ci hanno portato via qualcosa di caro ci ridarà la pace. La Yun ha attinto alle meravigliose leggende del folklore coreano - esempio ne è la leggenda dei fantasmi dell'acqua - per creare una storia cupa, dai toni gotici ma che allo stesso tempo reca in sé una sorta di tenerezza. La storia è carina ma non ne sono rimasta estasiata; problema è anche la lunghezza, alcune parti potevano essere tagliate per alleggerire un po' la lettura. È un esordio, c'è molto margine di miglioramento!
June 22, 2025
This was such a perfect contemporary YA. I don't quite know how to categorize it. It's very dark, it deals with realistic issues like grief and sisterhood, and there's a dash of romance. It's got some fantasy and mostly magical realism, with Korean-inspired magic and a Korean-American family running a bed and breakfast in a small beach town.
Against this backdrop Soojin is falling apart, mourning the drowning death of her sister Mirae. Her sister was a mother figure for her after their mother died and their father couldn't cope with the loss. In this family the women come from a long line of women who have the magical power of necromancy, ever since a famine and one family used the power to resurrect a chicken to stay fed.
They focus on animals and not human beings, because all kinds of things can go wrong between the necromancer and the revenant when it's another human.
After a breakdown, desperate Soojin resurrects her sister from her milk tooth. Her sister comes back and she has her memories, but it soon becomes apparent that something's not quite right. I do love the "comes back wrong" trope. Mirae is filled with anger about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, and embarks on a mission of femimine rage to avenge her drowning on the men in the town.
I loved the author's immersive, lyrical writing style, the exploration of sisterhood and the complicated ways that sisters look out for each other. Gorgeous lines like "Soojin was the sovereign of the nation of not letting go." Soojin could be often unlikable in her relentless, selfish commitment to not being able to let go, but I appreciated seeing her transformation into a more mature young woman.
I also enjoyed the Korean cultural elements woven into the narrative and appreciated the depiction of the racism they experienced in this small town. I thought the complicated friendship between Bentley, the rich kid whose dad was competing with their B&B, and Mirae, was tender and well done. Revenge isn't always so straightforward or will help a spirit move on after death. This book did an excellent job at examining the complex layers of grief and how it can destroy a family or bind them together.
This was dark and unsettling, but also beautiful, heartwarming, and powerful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Against this backdrop Soojin is falling apart, mourning the drowning death of her sister Mirae. Her sister was a mother figure for her after their mother died and their father couldn't cope with the loss. In this family the women come from a long line of women who have the magical power of necromancy, ever since a famine and one family used the power to resurrect a chicken to stay fed.
They focus on animals and not human beings, because all kinds of things can go wrong between the necromancer and the revenant when it's another human.
After a breakdown, desperate Soojin resurrects her sister from her milk tooth. Her sister comes back and she has her memories, but it soon becomes apparent that something's not quite right. I do love the "comes back wrong" trope. Mirae is filled with anger about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, and embarks on a mission of femimine rage to avenge her drowning on the men in the town.
I loved the author's immersive, lyrical writing style, the exploration of sisterhood and the complicated ways that sisters look out for each other. Gorgeous lines like "Soojin was the sovereign of the nation of not letting go." Soojin could be often unlikable in her relentless, selfish commitment to not being able to let go, but I appreciated seeing her transformation into a more mature young woman.
I also enjoyed the Korean cultural elements woven into the narrative and appreciated the depiction of the racism they experienced in this small town. I thought the complicated friendship between Bentley, the rich kid whose dad was competing with their B&B, and Mirae, was tender and well done. Revenge isn't always so straightforward or will help a spirit move on after death. This book did an excellent job at examining the complex layers of grief and how it can destroy a family or bind them together.
This was dark and unsettling, but also beautiful, heartwarming, and powerful.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2025
I had high hopes for this and I'm so happy to report that it met all of my expectations. A beautiful, lyrical melding of horror and heartbreak that will leave you haunted.
May 13, 2025
"And the River Drags Her Down" is a hauntingly beautiful tale about sisterhood, selfishness, and grief.
It moves slowly, but deliberately, building a quiet tension that never fully lets go and will likely leave you heartbroken.
"What the funeral director didn’t understand was that Soojin didn’t want to heal. If she didn’t wake each morning ransacked by her sister’s absence, it would mean her memory was growing farther away. She would rather hurt than heal."
Soojin comes from a long line of women with a secret, inherited power. The ability to bring the dead back to life. There's just one rule: Never resurrect anything larger than the palm of your hand.
But that was before her sister Mirae died.
Overwhelmed by grief and desperate not to be alone, Soojin breaks the rule. At first, having Mirae back feels like a miracle. But Mirae isn't content to stay in the shadows. As old wounds resurface and secrets unravel, Mirae sets her sights on the injustice that tore her family apart, and she won't rest until it's paid for.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and One World's Rock The Boat Imprint for the opportunity to read this ARC early in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s classified as YA horror, but it leans more toward mystery with a slow-burn and minor horror elements. (Trigger warning: animal deaths)
I loved the characters. Soojin’s grief felt raw and real, her stubbornness and flaws made her feel all the more relatable. If your sister died and you could bring her back, wouldn’t you?
And Mirae, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but still incredibly easy to love.
I also liked the inclusion of family myths and "seeing" Mirae's gift in action.
The pacing does slow down a bit around the halfway point (I couldn’t quite put my finger on why) but even so, it was a beautiful and tragic story that I’m really glad I got to read.
It moves slowly, but deliberately, building a quiet tension that never fully lets go and will likely leave you heartbroken.
"What the funeral director didn’t understand was that Soojin didn’t want to heal. If she didn’t wake each morning ransacked by her sister’s absence, it would mean her memory was growing farther away. She would rather hurt than heal."
Soojin comes from a long line of women with a secret, inherited power. The ability to bring the dead back to life. There's just one rule: Never resurrect anything larger than the palm of your hand.
But that was before her sister Mirae died.
Overwhelmed by grief and desperate not to be alone, Soojin breaks the rule. At first, having Mirae back feels like a miracle. But Mirae isn't content to stay in the shadows. As old wounds resurface and secrets unravel, Mirae sets her sights on the injustice that tore her family apart, and she won't rest until it's paid for.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and One World's Rock The Boat Imprint for the opportunity to read this ARC early in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s classified as YA horror, but it leans more toward mystery with a slow-burn and minor horror elements. (Trigger warning: animal deaths)
I loved the characters. Soojin’s grief felt raw and real, her stubbornness and flaws made her feel all the more relatable. If your sister died and you could bring her back, wouldn’t you?
And Mirae, she’s a force to be reckoned with, but still incredibly easy to love.
I also liked the inclusion of family myths and "seeing" Mirae's gift in action.
The pacing does slow down a bit around the halfway point (I couldn’t quite put my finger on why) but even so, it was a beautiful and tragic story that I’m really glad I got to read.
July 29, 2025
ੈ✩‧₊˚Preread~Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC ! I don't read horror genres very much, so this will be interesting !
Well...that was certainley something. I went into this book with a matcha latte, my blanket and expecting a gothic horror book, but came out with an empty glass, my blanket on the floor, tears and emotional trauma ! Lovely.
The book follows the FMC Soojin after the loss of her sister Mirae, who drowned in the river of their small town, Jade Acre, a couple years after their mother was killed in a car crash. But what no one knows is that the women in their family have always been able to ressurect living things with bones. Stricken with griend, years after her sister's death, Soojin, against all of her mother's warnings, ressurects Mirae.
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. While the ending was fairly inevitable, there are secrets and truths unveiled throughout this book bit by bit. You can see Soojin's crippling grief, and denial that anything bad is going to happen after Mirae's ressurection. Mark, one of her childhood friends whom she grew apart with after her mother's death, is so sweet 🥹. They have a bit of a bittersweet, open ending, but I think most people will be pretty satisfied with it. He's such a crucial element of comfort throughout the book for Soojin, giving her space when she needs it, and being someone she can rely on.
Well...that was certainley something. I went into this book with a matcha latte, my blanket and expecting a gothic horror book, but came out with an empty glass, my blanket on the floor, tears and emotional trauma ! Lovely.
The book follows the FMC Soojin after the loss of her sister Mirae, who drowned in the river of their small town, Jade Acre, a couple years after their mother was killed in a car crash. But what no one knows is that the women in their family have always been able to ressurect living things with bones. Stricken with griend, years after her sister's death, Soojin, against all of her mother's warnings, ressurects Mirae.
This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. While the ending was fairly inevitable, there are secrets and truths unveiled throughout this book bit by bit. You can see Soojin's crippling grief, and denial that anything bad is going to happen after Mirae's ressurection. Mark, one of her childhood friends whom she grew apart with after her mother's death, is so sweet 🥹. They have a bit of a bittersweet, open ending, but I think most people will be pretty satisfied with it. He's such a crucial element of comfort throughout the book for Soojin, giving her space when she needs it, and being someone she can rely on.
September 8, 2026
Dunkle Magie, koreanische Mythologie und die schwere Last der Trauer
Was passiert, wenn man die oberste Regel einer uralten, gefährlichen Gabe bricht? In „And The River Drags Her Down“ entführt die Autorin Jihyun Yun Leserinnen und Leser in einen atmosphärisch dichten, düsteren Sog aus koreanischer Mythologie, Schuldgefühlen und übernatürlichem Horror.
Die Prämisse ist ebenso faszinierend wie verstörend: Soojin besitzt eine Magie, die sie von ihrer Mutter geerbt hat – sie kann die Toten zurückholen. Doch es gibt eine eiserne Grenze: Niemals darf sie etwas Größeres als eine handgroße Kreatur auferwecken. Als jedoch ihre geliebte Schwester Mirae im Herbst im Fluss ertrinkt, bricht Soojin in ihrer tiefen Trauer alle Regeln. Sie holt Mirae zurück ins Leben. Doch die Rückkehr hat ihren Preis. Bald versinkt ihre Heimatstadt in endlosem Regen, während eine Serie unnatürlicher, grauenhafter Tode das Städtchen erschüttert. Mirae kämpft derweil nicht nur damit, sich zu verstecken, sondern vor allem gegen einen wachsenden, alles verzehrenden Hunger nach Rache.
Stärken des Romans: Atmosphäre, Charaktere und Emotionen
• Atmosphärischer Sog und Worldbuilding: Von den ersten Seiten an zieht einen das Buch mit einer unheimlichen, greifbaren Spannung in seinen Bann. Die bildgewaltige Sprache transportiert den Lesenden direkt in die Szenerie – man spürt den kalten Regen, die Verzweiflung und das drückende Gewicht der Geheimnisse.
• Trauer als greifbare Existenz: Das zentrale Motiv des Buches ist die Trauer. Sie ist nicht nur ein Gefühl, sondern fast schon ein eigener Charakter, der durch die Handlung wandert, die Figuren antreibt und Entscheidungen lenkt. Die poetische und gleichzeitig viszerale Art, wie Verluste und Sehnsucht beschrieben werden, geht tief unter die Haut.
• Komplexe Figuren und Beziehungen: Die Figuren entfalten eine faszinierende Tiefe – von dem unzertrennlichen Band der Schwestern bis hin zu Mark, der als treuer Anker durch die Dunkelheit führt und selbst im tiefsten Schmerz einen hellen, hoffnungsvollen Funken bewahrt.
Fazit
Jihyun Yun gelingt mit diesem Roman eine seltene und meisterhafte Balance. „And The River Drags Her Down“ ist gleichzeitig herzzerreißend und grausam, ein langsamer, schleichender Horrorroman, der Mystery, Familiendrama und dunkle Mythologie nahtlos miteinander verwebt.
Wer packende, atmosphärische Geschichten liebt, die sich intensiv mit menschlichen Abgründen und dem Schmerz des Verlusts auseinandersetzen, findet hier ein absolutes Lese-Highlight. Ein Buch, das noch lange nach dem Umblättern der letzten Seite im Kopf nachhallt.
Was passiert, wenn man die oberste Regel einer uralten, gefährlichen Gabe bricht? In „And The River Drags Her Down“ entführt die Autorin Jihyun Yun Leserinnen und Leser in einen atmosphärisch dichten, düsteren Sog aus koreanischer Mythologie, Schuldgefühlen und übernatürlichem Horror.
Die Prämisse ist ebenso faszinierend wie verstörend: Soojin besitzt eine Magie, die sie von ihrer Mutter geerbt hat – sie kann die Toten zurückholen. Doch es gibt eine eiserne Grenze: Niemals darf sie etwas Größeres als eine handgroße Kreatur auferwecken. Als jedoch ihre geliebte Schwester Mirae im Herbst im Fluss ertrinkt, bricht Soojin in ihrer tiefen Trauer alle Regeln. Sie holt Mirae zurück ins Leben. Doch die Rückkehr hat ihren Preis. Bald versinkt ihre Heimatstadt in endlosem Regen, während eine Serie unnatürlicher, grauenhafter Tode das Städtchen erschüttert. Mirae kämpft derweil nicht nur damit, sich zu verstecken, sondern vor allem gegen einen wachsenden, alles verzehrenden Hunger nach Rache.
Stärken des Romans: Atmosphäre, Charaktere und Emotionen
• Atmosphärischer Sog und Worldbuilding: Von den ersten Seiten an zieht einen das Buch mit einer unheimlichen, greifbaren Spannung in seinen Bann. Die bildgewaltige Sprache transportiert den Lesenden direkt in die Szenerie – man spürt den kalten Regen, die Verzweiflung und das drückende Gewicht der Geheimnisse.
• Trauer als greifbare Existenz: Das zentrale Motiv des Buches ist die Trauer. Sie ist nicht nur ein Gefühl, sondern fast schon ein eigener Charakter, der durch die Handlung wandert, die Figuren antreibt und Entscheidungen lenkt. Die poetische und gleichzeitig viszerale Art, wie Verluste und Sehnsucht beschrieben werden, geht tief unter die Haut.
• Komplexe Figuren und Beziehungen: Die Figuren entfalten eine faszinierende Tiefe – von dem unzertrennlichen Band der Schwestern bis hin zu Mark, der als treuer Anker durch die Dunkelheit führt und selbst im tiefsten Schmerz einen hellen, hoffnungsvollen Funken bewahrt.
Fazit
Jihyun Yun gelingt mit diesem Roman eine seltene und meisterhafte Balance. „And The River Drags Her Down“ ist gleichzeitig herzzerreißend und grausam, ein langsamer, schleichender Horrorroman, der Mystery, Familiendrama und dunkle Mythologie nahtlos miteinander verwebt.
Wer packende, atmosphärische Geschichten liebt, die sich intensiv mit menschlichen Abgründen und dem Schmerz des Verlusts auseinandersetzen, findet hier ein absolutes Lese-Highlight. Ein Buch, das noch lange nach dem Umblättern der letzten Seite im Kopf nachhallt.
April 27, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book!! Since my mom first introduced me to Pet Semetary, I’ve obsessed over the idea of it. And now I get a modernized version with revenge in mind? Absolutely amazing.
I loved how this book was written in third person so we could get the thoughts of absolutely anyone at any given moment. This helped to keep the story going at some times that it lagged.
Soojin is essentially an unreliable narrator because she refuses to see anything that isn’t what she wants or imagines, which is especially the case when it comes to her sister.
This was an absolutely fabulous book that should be read by everyone. The vibes, the plot, the characters: amazing.
The only reason my review is a 4.5/5 stars is because I felt like the plot lagged a bit starting near the 40% mark. Things were happening, but they were a little slow, so my focus momentarily wavered.
Thank you very much to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and in no way are influenced by the manner in which I received it.
I absolutely loved this book!! Since my mom first introduced me to Pet Semetary, I’ve obsessed over the idea of it. And now I get a modernized version with revenge in mind? Absolutely amazing.
I loved how this book was written in third person so we could get the thoughts of absolutely anyone at any given moment. This helped to keep the story going at some times that it lagged.
Soojin is essentially an unreliable narrator because she refuses to see anything that isn’t what she wants or imagines, which is especially the case when it comes to her sister.
This was an absolutely fabulous book that should be read by everyone. The vibes, the plot, the characters: amazing.
The only reason my review is a 4.5/5 stars is because I felt like the plot lagged a bit starting near the 40% mark. Things were happening, but they were a little slow, so my focus momentarily wavered.
Thank you very much to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and in no way are influenced by the manner in which I received it.
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026DNF: 25%
Unfortunately, this is going to be another DNF ARC for me. Another book where I am am the problem and not the book itself. See, I originally requested this because of both the book cover and the sprayed edges (even though the sprayed edges only appear on the physical copy). I know. I really need to stop doing that. But then, I found myself reading and rereading the synopsis 3-4 times just to make sure that I understood what this book was supposed to be about. I even found myself reading a number of different reviews to develop some form of interest beyond my growing fears. After reading the first two chapters, I knew that this book wasn’t going to be dark and mysterious. It was going to focus on grief and anger and yet, I continued to read for as far as I could and as long as I could. While I have no problem with these themes, I have a problem with people lashing out at others and becoming unlikable during their grief journey. I tend to stay away from YA novels that feel like its forcing its readers to make allowances because the character or characters are going through such a hard time. However, there is a small possibility that if my library ends up posting the audiobook for this on Libby then I might return. We shall see. I mean seriously, THIS BOOK COVER AND SPRAYED EDGES ARE JUST SO AMAZING TO LOOK AT!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
Unfortunately, this is going to be another DNF ARC for me. Another book where I am am the problem and not the book itself. See, I originally requested this because of both the book cover and the sprayed edges (even though the sprayed edges only appear on the physical copy). I know. I really need to stop doing that. But then, I found myself reading and rereading the synopsis 3-4 times just to make sure that I understood what this book was supposed to be about. I even found myself reading a number of different reviews to develop some form of interest beyond my growing fears. After reading the first two chapters, I knew that this book wasn’t going to be dark and mysterious. It was going to focus on grief and anger and yet, I continued to read for as far as I could and as long as I could. While I have no problem with these themes, I have a problem with people lashing out at others and becoming unlikable during their grief journey. I tend to stay away from YA novels that feel like its forcing its readers to make allowances because the character or characters are going through such a hard time. However, there is a small possibility that if my library ends up posting the audiobook for this on Libby then I might return. We shall see. I mean seriously, THIS BOOK COVER AND SPRAYED EDGES ARE JUST SO AMAZING TO LOOK AT!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
July 28, 2026
4,25⭐️
ale to było dobre… jakby wow dosłownie nie wiem co powiedzieć…
ale to było dobre… jakby wow dosłownie nie wiem co powiedzieć…
March 30, 2026
Realitātē varbūt 4,5 ⭐️, bet nav žēl noapaļot uz augšu.
To pusīti paturu sev, jo nebija tāda milzīga "woooow" beigās, bet vispār ļoti atmosfēriska grāmata un brīžiem tie apraksti... bija tiešām šausmīgi (it sevišķi, ja ne pārāk patīk zobu temati 😀). Turklāt grāmata pati par sevi ir tik ļoti vizuāli skaista.
To pusīti paturu sev, jo nebija tāda milzīga "woooow" beigās, bet vispār ļoti atmosfēriska grāmata un brīžiem tie apraksti... bija tiešām šausmīgi (it sevišķi, ja ne pārāk patīk zobu temati 😀). Turklāt grāmata pati par sevi ir tik ļoti vizuāli skaista.
September 30, 2025
Wow. Wow. I loved this reading experience. It is an ode to suffering, to grief, to curses, to reckonings, to realizations.
What would you do if you held the power of resurrection? Would it be to eat the same animal again and again? Would it be to satisfy morbid curiosity?
Would it be to assuage loneliness?
What about the creatures you repeatedly bring back to life? How do they feel about their unexpected return to life?
What if they’re angry?
What if they’re…vengeful?
The author answers all these questions, and, in so doing, has crafted a scary, yet hauntingly beautiful tale about what it means to move on and forge one’s own path.
And now I refuse to say anything more about the plot. Just start reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
What would you do if you held the power of resurrection? Would it be to eat the same animal again and again? Would it be to satisfy morbid curiosity?
Would it be to assuage loneliness?
What about the creatures you repeatedly bring back to life? How do they feel about their unexpected return to life?
What if they’re angry?
What if they’re…vengeful?
The author answers all these questions, and, in so doing, has crafted a scary, yet hauntingly beautiful tale about what it means to move on and forge one’s own path.
And now I refuse to say anything more about the plot. Just start reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
May 20, 2026
Ko šādu lasīju pirmo reizi...un man ļoti patika! 🩶
Šo grāmatu negaidīti saņēmu Ziemassvētku dāvanā (paldies, Zanda🌸) un apņēmos to noteikti šogad izlasīt.
Pirms lasīšanas zināju, ka daudziem tā patīk, bet neesot domāta visiem (bet vai tad tā nav ar jebkuru grāmatu!?). Vēl redzēju un novertēju tās vizuālo skaistumu, kā arī padzirdēju kaut ko par zobiem šinī stāstā.. Atgādināšu, ka esmu "bailīgais lasītajs"😅, un zobi/nagi man ir diezgan brrrr... Bet izdzīvoju😂, un nebija nekas traks (tā ka visdrīzāk izdzīvosi arī Tu😅).
Jā, es varētu šo nodēvēt par mitoloģisko un nekromantisko jauniešu šausmenīti.
Mitoloģisko, jo te savijas korejiešu nostāsti, mīti, pārdabiskais. Nekromantisko veido nāves un mirušo augšāmcelšanās tēma. Jauniešu, jo stāstu caurvij, galvenokārt, jaunu cilvēku pieredze un izjūtas. Bet šausmenīte, jo... filmu, kas būtu balstīta uz šo grāmatu, es noteikti nevēlētos redzēt🫢😏, bet mans prāts lasīšanas procesā nepatīkamās ainas kaut kādā ziņā pārveidoja poētiskākās, simboliskākās un maigākās, nekā tās atainotu iespējamās filmas režisors (par to nu esmu gana droša😅). Man nebija ne pretīgi, ne bailīgi, jo tiešām šo grāmatu uztvēru kā simbolu un vienu spēcīgu ziņu lasītājam.
Grāmata ir par skumjām tēmām - mīļoto zaudējumu, tiem traģiski nomirstot, nespēju sadzīvot ar šo kraso pārmaiņu dzīvē, kā arī jušanos vientuļam un nesaredzētam... Un te ir daudz nāvju, sēru, skumju, lietus, asaru un ūdens, ūdens, ūdens...
Grāmatas pamatjautājums ir par mirušā neatlaišanu, par cilvēka egoistisko tieksmi paturēt otra dvēseli, lai nejustu savas sāpes, tukšumu un radušos vientulību. Stāsts ir ne tikai mistisks, es teiktu, ka tajā ir dziļi morāles jautājumi, protams, fantāzijas līmenī. Tomēr tas liek padomāt par to, kā mēs paši jūtamies, kad nomirst kāds tuvinieks. Piemēram, par ko tieši mēs visvairāk sērojam, vai un cik ātri esam gatavi atbrīvot viņa dvēseli, nemēģinot viņu piesaistīt Zemes dzīvei ar savām skumjām un asarām. Nu, es jau te ezotērikā iekāpu😅, bet grāmata lika man par to aizdomāties. Arī par Pasaules kartību, kurā nevienam nevajadzētu iejaukties...
Pats stāsts ir ar skaistu valodu, kurā ik pa laikam iespraucas rupjāki izteicieni, kas padara šo grāmatu reālāku. Šoreiz tas piestāv. Ļoti patika vienā stilā ieturētā grāmatas noskaņa, kas pēkšņi neizdzisa, bet noturējās līdz beigām.
Grāmata šķetina arī pagātnes notikumus, kas ir interesanti. Lai arī aptuveni beigas jau nojautu, tas nebojāja lasīšanas prieku. Lai arī sākumā sabijos, ka lasīsies lēni, grāmata mani ievilka "savos ūdeņos", un lasīšana bija raita.
Atceros, ka pirms lasīšanas nedaudz biedēja aziātiskais piesitiens, jo šķita, ka nesapratīšu, bet nebīstieties, tas stāstam tikai piešķir īpatnējo šarmu! Pati autore ir korejiešu izcelsmes amerikāniete, kas arī jūtams šajā darbā.
Vai es raudāju? Atzīšos, ka reiz asaras acīs sariesās, bet noturējās. Toties pa īstam nolija pēcvārdā (zinu, galīgi neadekvāti, bet kāpēc gan ne...?😊)
Ja nebaidies lasīt mistiku un fantāziju par nāves tēmu, šī noteikti derēs. Piekrītu, ka rudens tumšajiem veļu laika vakariem vispār šī varētu būt perfekta izvēle. Un te ir, ko padomāt - ne tikai par nāvi, bet drīzāk dzīvi un dzīvajiem mums līdzās. Vai mēs viņus vispār saskatām?🤍🩶🤍
Šo grāmatu negaidīti saņēmu Ziemassvētku dāvanā (paldies, Zanda🌸) un apņēmos to noteikti šogad izlasīt.
Pirms lasīšanas zināju, ka daudziem tā patīk, bet neesot domāta visiem (bet vai tad tā nav ar jebkuru grāmatu!?). Vēl redzēju un novertēju tās vizuālo skaistumu, kā arī padzirdēju kaut ko par zobiem šinī stāstā.. Atgādināšu, ka esmu "bailīgais lasītajs"😅, un zobi/nagi man ir diezgan brrrr... Bet izdzīvoju😂, un nebija nekas traks (tā ka visdrīzāk izdzīvosi arī Tu😅).
Jā, es varētu šo nodēvēt par mitoloģisko un nekromantisko jauniešu šausmenīti.
Mitoloģisko, jo te savijas korejiešu nostāsti, mīti, pārdabiskais. Nekromantisko veido nāves un mirušo augšāmcelšanās tēma. Jauniešu, jo stāstu caurvij, galvenokārt, jaunu cilvēku pieredze un izjūtas. Bet šausmenīte, jo... filmu, kas būtu balstīta uz šo grāmatu, es noteikti nevēlētos redzēt🫢😏, bet mans prāts lasīšanas procesā nepatīkamās ainas kaut kādā ziņā pārveidoja poētiskākās, simboliskākās un maigākās, nekā tās atainotu iespējamās filmas režisors (par to nu esmu gana droša😅). Man nebija ne pretīgi, ne bailīgi, jo tiešām šo grāmatu uztvēru kā simbolu un vienu spēcīgu ziņu lasītājam.
Grāmata ir par skumjām tēmām - mīļoto zaudējumu, tiem traģiski nomirstot, nespēju sadzīvot ar šo kraso pārmaiņu dzīvē, kā arī jušanos vientuļam un nesaredzētam... Un te ir daudz nāvju, sēru, skumju, lietus, asaru un ūdens, ūdens, ūdens...
Grāmatas pamatjautājums ir par mirušā neatlaišanu, par cilvēka egoistisko tieksmi paturēt otra dvēseli, lai nejustu savas sāpes, tukšumu un radušos vientulību. Stāsts ir ne tikai mistisks, es teiktu, ka tajā ir dziļi morāles jautājumi, protams, fantāzijas līmenī. Tomēr tas liek padomāt par to, kā mēs paši jūtamies, kad nomirst kāds tuvinieks. Piemēram, par ko tieši mēs visvairāk sērojam, vai un cik ātri esam gatavi atbrīvot viņa dvēseli, nemēģinot viņu piesaistīt Zemes dzīvei ar savām skumjām un asarām. Nu, es jau te ezotērikā iekāpu😅, bet grāmata lika man par to aizdomāties. Arī par Pasaules kartību, kurā nevienam nevajadzētu iejaukties...
Pats stāsts ir ar skaistu valodu, kurā ik pa laikam iespraucas rupjāki izteicieni, kas padara šo grāmatu reālāku. Šoreiz tas piestāv. Ļoti patika vienā stilā ieturētā grāmatas noskaņa, kas pēkšņi neizdzisa, bet noturējās līdz beigām.
Grāmata šķetina arī pagātnes notikumus, kas ir interesanti. Lai arī aptuveni beigas jau nojautu, tas nebojāja lasīšanas prieku. Lai arī sākumā sabijos, ka lasīsies lēni, grāmata mani ievilka "savos ūdeņos", un lasīšana bija raita.
Atceros, ka pirms lasīšanas nedaudz biedēja aziātiskais piesitiens, jo šķita, ka nesapratīšu, bet nebīstieties, tas stāstam tikai piešķir īpatnējo šarmu! Pati autore ir korejiešu izcelsmes amerikāniete, kas arī jūtams šajā darbā.
Vai es raudāju? Atzīšos, ka reiz asaras acīs sariesās, bet noturējās. Toties pa īstam nolija pēcvārdā (zinu, galīgi neadekvāti, bet kāpēc gan ne...?😊)
Ja nebaidies lasīt mistiku un fantāziju par nāves tēmu, šī noteikti derēs. Piekrītu, ka rudens tumšajiem veļu laika vakariem vispār šī varētu būt perfekta izvēle. Un te ir, ko padomāt - ne tikai par nāvi, bet drīzāk dzīvi un dzīvajiem mums līdzās. Vai mēs viņus vispār saskatām?🤍🩶🤍
September 9, 2026
i don’t even have anything quippy to say about this book… like it was fine. and that’s pretty much it
October 4, 2025
Thank you Oneworld Publications for providing me with the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read until 40% before DNFing - I always feel especially bad having to do this for an ARC, but it really wasn't holding my attention. That being said, I do think that this is less so a matter of poor quality but rather a case of this being the wrong book for me and I'd largely blame that on the marketing.
Although we have multiple POVs, we mainly follow Soojin whose women in the family have had the ability to resurrect the dead for many generations. After losing both her mother and years later older sister Mirae, Soojin has become a very withdrawn girl who is now also the only one with the resurrection powers. These, however, are not to be used on humans but only small creatures.
And the River Drags her Down was being advertised as horror and as such, I was expecting something a little more than it delivered. I don't need anything big to happen, in fact, I find just a quiet eerie atmosphere to be the best kind of horror. To me, this book lacked any form of atmosphere and build up. It is of course possible that there are more super natural elements in the remaining half of the book I haven't read, but it has failed to capture any form of intrigue from me in regards to the super natural elements for the first half and, for something marketed as horror, that just wasn't good enough for me.
I felt the story focused a lot more on loss and grief - and that's absolutely fine and will appeal to other readers. To the point where I'd gotten, I feel like a very similar story could have been told without any fantastical elements at all - it wouldn't have felt any different. I do believe it is a well written book in terms of prose and how grief is handled, but it wasn't the book I was expecting to leave. What also made it harder to continue was the fact that I didn't really like Soojin. People handle grief differently and I felt that Soojin's way of coping was to lash out and be unpleasant to pretty much everyone. While I understand that, it doesn't necessarily endear her to me.
I am truly sad to call it quits on this one but I think I gave it a fair shot with reading up to 40%. If you enjoy stories that explore grief and loss, this might be a good pick for you. If you are looking for an atmospheric horror story, I'd probably look elsewhere.
March 28, 2026
''Cilvēki pārspīlē ar to spokošanos. Mirušā bērna māte nesekoja spoka aicinājumam. Viņa bija pati savu ilgu upuris un ļāva šīm ilgām sevi iznīcināt.'' (215.lpp.)
''eerie''- tā es vienā vārdā varu raksturos šo korejiešu izcelsmes amerikāņu raksntnieces darbu, kura centrā ir vienas ģimenes vairāki traģiski notikumi, kuri neatgriezeniski ir saplosījuši palikušo prieku, laimi un vēlmi dzīvot tālāk.
Latviski spocīgais, neomolīgais, baisais, satraucoši dīvainais- ir tulkojuma mikslis, kas slēpjas aiz šī neparastā vārda. Gluži kā šausmu filmā, ar atsevišķiem elemtiem, acu priekšā norisinās ainas, kas parasti liecina par tuvujošos nelaimi. Griezīga skaņa ausīs, ūdens applūšana, stindzinošs klusums.. autore ar šo baiso sajūtu aizlien aiz ādas un elpo pakausī.
Upe tevi atradīs.
Man ļoti patika. Pirmkārt jau man patīk japāņu un korejiešu īpatnīgums grāmatās, kas bieži vien daudziem rietumniekiem liekas pārāk savāds, dīvains un pat neglīts. Arī šeit kultūra, mītiem ieskautais un bērnībā maģiskuma un māņticības ieaudzinātais ir klātesošs ikvienā lappusē. Autore ir saplūdinājusi neskaitāmus žanrus tā, ka nav iespējams nodalīt, kurā plauktā iederēties. Šī ir gan jauniešu (Youn adult) grāmata, ar maģiskā reālisma, šausmu un pārdabiska trillera elementiem. Bet pāri visam, ārpus šī spocīgā, kam lasītājs vai nu tic vai netic, ir zaudējuma sēras. Tās burtiski mani žņaudz nost un ikvienā simboliskā detaļā es fiziski sajūtu šo zaudējuma tukšumu, kas spiež pie zemes, smacē, neļauj elpot un pāri visam- neļauj dzīvot.
Sēras iemoso dažādus apmērus, gan kā klusu asaru jūru, gan kā upurus paņemošu bangojošu upi. Tās nekur nepazūd, bet turpina dzīvot ikvienā ķermeņa šūnā un liekas, ka vienīgais, kas spēj no šīm važām atbrīvot, ir darīt visu, lai atgūtu zaudēto.
Saprotu, ka daudzus šis pārdabiskais elements, šausmas un neomolīgā sajūta var atgrūst, bet mani tā tieši kā sirēna ievilināja, jo arī neglītumā ir kaut kas fascinējošs. Par spīti tam, ka mani fiziski šīs skumjas un zaudējums plosīja, es ļoti izbaudīju šo mistisko grāmatu.
4+
''eerie''- tā es vienā vārdā varu raksturos šo korejiešu izcelsmes amerikāņu raksntnieces darbu, kura centrā ir vienas ģimenes vairāki traģiski notikumi, kuri neatgriezeniski ir saplosījuši palikušo prieku, laimi un vēlmi dzīvot tālāk.
Latviski spocīgais, neomolīgais, baisais, satraucoši dīvainais- ir tulkojuma mikslis, kas slēpjas aiz šī neparastā vārda. Gluži kā šausmu filmā, ar atsevišķiem elemtiem, acu priekšā norisinās ainas, kas parasti liecina par tuvujošos nelaimi. Griezīga skaņa ausīs, ūdens applūšana, stindzinošs klusums.. autore ar šo baiso sajūtu aizlien aiz ādas un elpo pakausī.
Upe tevi atradīs.
Man ļoti patika. Pirmkārt jau man patīk japāņu un korejiešu īpatnīgums grāmatās, kas bieži vien daudziem rietumniekiem liekas pārāk savāds, dīvains un pat neglīts. Arī šeit kultūra, mītiem ieskautais un bērnībā maģiskuma un māņticības ieaudzinātais ir klātesošs ikvienā lappusē. Autore ir saplūdinājusi neskaitāmus žanrus tā, ka nav iespējams nodalīt, kurā plauktā iederēties. Šī ir gan jauniešu (Youn adult) grāmata, ar maģiskā reālisma, šausmu un pārdabiska trillera elementiem. Bet pāri visam, ārpus šī spocīgā, kam lasītājs vai nu tic vai netic, ir zaudējuma sēras. Tās burtiski mani žņaudz nost un ikvienā simboliskā detaļā es fiziski sajūtu šo zaudējuma tukšumu, kas spiež pie zemes, smacē, neļauj elpot un pāri visam- neļauj dzīvot.
Sēras iemoso dažādus apmērus, gan kā klusu asaru jūru, gan kā upurus paņemošu bangojošu upi. Tās nekur nepazūd, bet turpina dzīvot ikvienā ķermeņa šūnā un liekas, ka vienīgais, kas spēj no šīm važām atbrīvot, ir darīt visu, lai atgūtu zaudēto.
Saprotu, ka daudzus šis pārdabiskais elements, šausmas un neomolīgā sajūta var atgrūst, bet mani tā tieši kā sirēna ievilināja, jo arī neglītumā ir kaut kas fascinējošs. Par spīti tam, ka mani fiziski šīs skumjas un zaudējums plosīja, es ļoti izbaudīju šo mistisko grāmatu.
4+
January 3, 2026
4⭐
this was a dark and haunting story and i truly felt like i couldn't put this book down. if you're looking for a k-drama horror type of book, then i highly recommend "and the river drags her down."
the build up was a bit on the slower side, but i ultimately enjoyed the pacing just because it gave me a chance to get to know our characters, soojin, mark and mirae. soojin is going through a rough patch of grief after losing both her mother and her sister. mark is one of her only friends and they become even closer after mirae passes. but the trick up soojin's sleeve is that she has a special power handed down through the women in her family of being able to bring things back to life. she tests the waters and brings mirae back to life, but things turn a little tricky. not only does soojin have to keep her back-from-the-dead sister a secret from her father, there's also a string of problems happening throughout their town now that she's back. mirae wants to seek vengeance for her and her mother's wrongful deaths.
the deeper meanings in this book were impactful, touching on grief as a family and how you'll never know what it's like to live in another person's place. the importance of family is also what really stuck with me. i enjoyed flipping through the pages and feeling invested enough to want to find out what would unfold next.
thank you random house children’s for the gifted eARC!
this was a dark and haunting story and i truly felt like i couldn't put this book down. if you're looking for a k-drama horror type of book, then i highly recommend "and the river drags her down."
the build up was a bit on the slower side, but i ultimately enjoyed the pacing just because it gave me a chance to get to know our characters, soojin, mark and mirae. soojin is going through a rough patch of grief after losing both her mother and her sister. mark is one of her only friends and they become even closer after mirae passes. but the trick up soojin's sleeve is that she has a special power handed down through the women in her family of being able to bring things back to life. she tests the waters and brings mirae back to life, but things turn a little tricky. not only does soojin have to keep her back-from-the-dead sister a secret from her father, there's also a string of problems happening throughout their town now that she's back. mirae wants to seek vengeance for her and her mother's wrongful deaths.
the deeper meanings in this book were impactful, touching on grief as a family and how you'll never know what it's like to live in another person's place. the importance of family is also what really stuck with me. i enjoyed flipping through the pages and feeling invested enough to want to find out what would unfold next.
thank you random house children’s for the gifted eARC!
January 1, 2026
Jau beidzās? Kāpēc tik ātri? Šis bija kaut kas dikti labs.
Grāmata ir tumšs, lēni plūstošs un emocionāli piesātināts gotiski mistisks šausmu stāsts, kurš sevī ievij Korejiešu folkloru. Tā ir grāmata par dziļām sērām, izmisumu un vientulību. Tas ir stāsts par to,ko sēras var izdarīt ar cilvēkiem.
Stāsts sākas sāpīgi. Sudžina ir zaudējusi savu vecāko māsu. Māsa noslīka. Meitene nespēj pārdzīvot savu zaudējumu. Viņa ir palikusi gluži viena emocionālā ziņā un cenšas ar sāpēm tikt galā kā māk.
Abām māsām piemita maģiska spēja. Viņas varēja atdzīvināt mirušos. Bet māte īpaši piekodināja nekad savas spējas nepielietot pret cilvēkiem, jo sekas esot graujošas.
Sudžina savās zaudējuma sāpēs un izmisumā šo noteikumu neievēro un atdzīvina māsu Miri.
Sākumā viss ir labi. Abas smejas, pavada laiku kopā un ir laimīgas. Un tad sākas pārmaiņas. Miri tās noklusē,bet pamazām aizdomas rodas arī Sudžinai.
Miri pārņem spēcīga vēlme sodīt tos,kuri ir kaitējuši viņas ģimenei. Pār pilsētu sākas šausmīgas lietavas un mistiski briesmīgas slepkavības. Miri atriebjas. Sūdžinsa pamazām saprot, ka māsa nav vairs tāda pati kā agrāk. Notikumi kļūst nekontrolējami.
Stāstā liela nozīme būs lietum, upei, kā arī dabai. Upe šeit nav tikai fons — tā kļūst par simbolu zaudējumam, atmiņām un tam, ko reizēm labāk neatgriezt.
Nāve te būs manāma teju katrā lapā, klusa, klātesoša. Un vēlme pēc mīlestības pilnākas dzīves.
Noteikti iesaku lasīt,ja gribas ko šausmīgāku un dramatiskāku. Te būs dziļa māsu mīlestība, kura nebeidzas pat nāves priekšā. Gotiska noskaņa, drūma maģija un smaga, emocionāla gaisotne savijas ar ģimenes noslēpumiem un sāpīgu mīlestību.
Grāmata, kas ievelk klusi, bet neatlaiž vēl ilgi pēc pēdējās lappuses. No visas sirds iesaku.
No stāsta sanāktu lieliska filma.
Grāmata ir tumšs, lēni plūstošs un emocionāli piesātināts gotiski mistisks šausmu stāsts, kurš sevī ievij Korejiešu folkloru. Tā ir grāmata par dziļām sērām, izmisumu un vientulību. Tas ir stāsts par to,ko sēras var izdarīt ar cilvēkiem.
Stāsts sākas sāpīgi. Sudžina ir zaudējusi savu vecāko māsu. Māsa noslīka. Meitene nespēj pārdzīvot savu zaudējumu. Viņa ir palikusi gluži viena emocionālā ziņā un cenšas ar sāpēm tikt galā kā māk.
Abām māsām piemita maģiska spēja. Viņas varēja atdzīvināt mirušos. Bet māte īpaši piekodināja nekad savas spējas nepielietot pret cilvēkiem, jo sekas esot graujošas.
Sudžina savās zaudējuma sāpēs un izmisumā šo noteikumu neievēro un atdzīvina māsu Miri.
Sākumā viss ir labi. Abas smejas, pavada laiku kopā un ir laimīgas. Un tad sākas pārmaiņas. Miri tās noklusē,bet pamazām aizdomas rodas arī Sudžinai.
Miri pārņem spēcīga vēlme sodīt tos,kuri ir kaitējuši viņas ģimenei. Pār pilsētu sākas šausmīgas lietavas un mistiski briesmīgas slepkavības. Miri atriebjas. Sūdžinsa pamazām saprot, ka māsa nav vairs tāda pati kā agrāk. Notikumi kļūst nekontrolējami.
Stāstā liela nozīme būs lietum, upei, kā arī dabai. Upe šeit nav tikai fons — tā kļūst par simbolu zaudējumam, atmiņām un tam, ko reizēm labāk neatgriezt.
Nāve te būs manāma teju katrā lapā, klusa, klātesoša. Un vēlme pēc mīlestības pilnākas dzīves.
Noteikti iesaku lasīt,ja gribas ko šausmīgāku un dramatiskāku. Te būs dziļa māsu mīlestība, kura nebeidzas pat nāves priekšā. Gotiska noskaņa, drūma maģija un smaga, emocionāla gaisotne savijas ar ģimenes noslēpumiem un sāpīgu mīlestību.
Grāmata, kas ievelk klusi, bet neatlaiž vēl ilgi pēc pēdējās lappuses. No visas sirds iesaku.
No stāsta sanāktu lieliska filma.
May 7, 2025
This book is truly something. And the River Drags Her Down is a quiet, sorrow-soaked exploration of mourning and grief.
The novel follows the aftermath of a very sudden death, and lingers in what comes after: the silences, the miscommunications, the way grief splinters through a family and rends those left behind. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of aspects of Korean culture I didn't know much about, and the bones of what I can't really a call a magic system, more the power the Han women carry with them, as something I've never really seen before, teetering on the edge between fantasy and horror.
That said, this was a hard read—not in the sense of complexity, as the writing is dense, yes, but not hard to follow at all, but in its emotional density. It’s melancholic and slow-moving, and at times I felt almost flattened by it and I had to put the book down just to take a breather (which probably is just my fear of death and grief rearing its ugly head). I didn’t end up loving it in the capital-L way, but I deeply respected it and I’m glad I read it, some quotes, and feelings, and points of view I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about - but, especially if you're like me, you're gonna 100% need something light and fluffy to recover after this one. Overall an important, tough but beautiful read. Go in prepared: this one drags you under, but it’s worth the breathlessness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!
The novel follows the aftermath of a very sudden death, and lingers in what comes after: the silences, the miscommunications, the way grief splinters through a family and rends those left behind. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of aspects of Korean culture I didn't know much about, and the bones of what I can't really a call a magic system, more the power the Han women carry with them, as something I've never really seen before, teetering on the edge between fantasy and horror.
That said, this was a hard read—not in the sense of complexity, as the writing is dense, yes, but not hard to follow at all, but in its emotional density. It’s melancholic and slow-moving, and at times I felt almost flattened by it and I had to put the book down just to take a breather (which probably is just my fear of death and grief rearing its ugly head). I didn’t end up loving it in the capital-L way, but I deeply respected it and I’m glad I read it, some quotes, and feelings, and points of view I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about - but, especially if you're like me, you're gonna 100% need something light and fluffy to recover after this one. Overall an important, tough but beautiful read. Go in prepared: this one drags you under, but it’s worth the breathlessness.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!
August 10, 2025
Looking at the reviews, I definitely think this novel will work for others, but it wasn't for me, unfortunately.
I was hoping for more horror and dark fantasy, but this was more melodrama than anything. This novel focused more on characters' feelings and emotions. I wasn't a huge fan of the extremely slow pacing either, or how I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be set in our present day or an alternate world that mirrored the present day.
Honestly, I'm just really disappointed that I wasn't moved at all by the story, as so many other reviewers were moved.
I love anything to do with necromancy, but after Soojin's sister was resurrected, Soojin's magical powers took a backseat to the drama. I wish her powers featured more in the story.
To end on a positive note, I did love how the author wove her culture and heritage into the storyline. We learn about death, grief, and loss as seen through a Korean American teenager and her family.
I also liked how Soojin was, at heart, a morally grey character. Right and wrong are blurred through her actions. But then again, if you've ever experienced grief as a teen, or even as an adult, it's not difficult to understand her actions. Grieving isn't black and white, and I really liked how this novel emphasized that point.
Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
I was hoping for more horror and dark fantasy, but this was more melodrama than anything. This novel focused more on characters' feelings and emotions. I wasn't a huge fan of the extremely slow pacing either, or how I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be set in our present day or an alternate world that mirrored the present day.
Honestly, I'm just really disappointed that I wasn't moved at all by the story, as so many other reviewers were moved.
I love anything to do with necromancy, but after Soojin's sister was resurrected, Soojin's magical powers took a backseat to the drama. I wish her powers featured more in the story.
To end on a positive note, I did love how the author wove her culture and heritage into the storyline. We learn about death, grief, and loss as seen through a Korean American teenager and her family.
I also liked how Soojin was, at heart, a morally grey character. Right and wrong are blurred through her actions. But then again, if you've ever experienced grief as a teen, or even as an adult, it's not difficult to understand her actions. Grieving isn't black and white, and I really liked how this novel emphasized that point.
Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
November 7, 2025
A story of grief and learning to let go with some eerie magical realism and a generations old cover up.
A great read overall, I especially loved the writing style. Was eerie and haunting but also beautifully executed. My only gripe with this was the overall pacing. There were definitely lulls in the story that I felt clogged up the timeline and could have been done without all together.
A great read overall, I especially loved the writing style. Was eerie and haunting but also beautifully executed. My only gripe with this was the overall pacing. There were definitely lulls in the story that I felt clogged up the timeline and could have been done without all together.
April 28, 2025
Where do I even start? This book isn’t just a gothic horror: it’s a gut-punching tale of grief that’ll have you sobbing into your floral throw pillow at 3 a.m.
Soojin Han is a 17-year-old Korean American girl with a secret gift: she can resurrect the dead, but only critters smaller than her palm. More like pet rats, not people. But when her older sister Mirae drowns in the Black Pine River under shady circumstances, Soojin says, “Rules? F the rules.” and brings her back.
The sisterhood in this book is everything. Soojin and Mirae’s bond is so raw and real, it reminded me of those late-night giggle fests with my own sister, sneaking snacks and whispering secrets under the covers. Yun captures that messy, beautiful love where you’d do anything for each other... even, you know, defy the laws of nature with some light necromancy. But here’s the thing: resurrected Mirae isn’t quite the same. She’s restless, hungry, and maybe a smidge vengeful. When the town starts drowning in freakish rains and bizarre deaths, I was clutching my pearls (okay, my thrifted choker). The slow-burn horror had me checking my windows for creepy river spirits. But let’s get real: this isn’t just spooky vibes. It’s a story about grief, and just like Mirae drowned for real, Soojin is drowning in her sorrow. Every page aches with her loss, like she’s carrying a boulder in her chest. Her desperation to hold onto her sister felt so raw, it reminded me of the time I clung to my grandma’s old scarf after she passed, hoping to keep her close. Yun makes Soojin’s pain palpable, and it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Yun’s world-building is perfection. The small coastal town feels like it could be your sleepy hometown, but with this eerie undercurrent that makes you side-eye every puddle. The Korean folklore woven in—ghost stories and ancestral magic—gave me chills and made my inner history nerd squeal. It’s like Yun took my love for The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and cranked the spooky dial to eleven. And can we talk about the imagery? The silt-soaked atmosphere, the crimson ringlets of blood in water, the way Soojin’s grief feels like a physical ache that she's drowning in—I was living for it. I swear I could smell the damp earth and hear the river’s whisper.
Now, let’s get a tad snarky. If you’re expecting a neat little bow on this story, keep dreaming. Yun doesn’t spoon-feed you answers, and I respect the audacity. Some might whine about the ambiguity, but I’m over here clapping for a book that trusts me to think. The pacing? Divine. It’s a slow simmer that builds to a boil, and by the end, I was a wreck—in the best way.
Soojin as a protagonist is my new bestie. She’s flawed, grieving, and stubborn as hell, but so relatable. I saw myself in her impulsive choices (like trying to cut my own bangs the midnight before picture day). Her journey through loss and love is so poignant, it’s like Yun reached into my chest and squeezed.
And Mirae? Oh, she’s a force. I won’t spoil the twists, but let’s just say she’s the chaotic sister I’d both hug and hide from.
In And the River Drags Her Down is a masterpiece that’ll make you laugh, cry, and sleep with the lights on. Jihyun Yun, you’ve stolen my heart and probably a piece of my sanity. If you love dark, atmospheric YA with sisterly love and a side of revenge, pre-order this book. It’s a five-star stunner that’ll drag you under and leave you gasping for more. I’m already planning my reread later this year with a cozy sweater and a caramel frappe.
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