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The Cycle of the Shen
"One of the most exciting new series!" Does paradise only exist in our minds? Eximere always seemed like paradise to Steven and Roy. Having agreed to act as caretakers for the mansion, they have been spending more time at Eximere, becoming acquainted with its quirks and idiosyncrasies. However, the more Steven and Roy learn about Eximere, the more disillusioned they become. Their recent discoveries of Eximere’s nature have extended their circle of caretaking, and now a century-old creature from a tiny town on the peninsula threatens to unravel the delicate balance that keeps Eximere functional. As they struggle to stop this strange entity from destroying everything they love about Eximere, more of James Unser’s bizarre design is revealed — and the results are devastating to Steven and Roy. The Cycle of the Shen is a fast-paced paranormal mystery, and the tenth book in The River series. Praise for The River series from Amazon “Truly scary.” "Finally found a book that got under my nerves!" “Couldn't put it down...wanted the story to go on and on.” “Very few authors can pull me in immediately and make me feel as though I were reading about old friends. Stephen King always has, and I can now add Michael Richan to the list.” "Awesome ghost story with wonderful characters and a great plot!" “Some of the most delightful reading I have done in a long time.” "This was a great horror book. I absolutely loved it, and I know you will too! Keep the lights on when reading!"
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
36 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richan
55 books129 followersMichael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 14, 2015
THE CYCLE OF THE SHEN is the tenth book in the original River series, featuring the "gifted" father and son duo of Roy and Steven. Due to the fact that we are so far into the series, I feel that "new" readers would benefit with some basic knowledge of gifteds and the River itself by reading perhaps the first in this series, or THE DARK RIVER: A, to get more out of some of the references in this book.
Here we have Roy and Steven learning about a creature whose destruction cycles around twelve-year intervals. Richan just keeps getting more creative and gory with his paranormal entities. Aside from the Shen, we are introduced to some monstrous creatures from the "Dark River", who are "assisting" Roy and Steven for reasons all of their own. Additionally, we also see more of some past characters, including a demon (Vohuman), and a phone consult with Winn from the Downwinders series. Slowly, Richan is beginning to link these three branches of the "River Universe".
In this particular novel, Steven's personality is evolving greatly. After his tragic loss, he has become much more assertive when dealing with other entities, and his confidence is growing as illustrated by his "take charge" attitude. Whereas before he relied mainly on his father, Roy's knowledge, he has now become more his equal in their partnership. With this shift, I've noticed that instead of questioning and trying to find a "safer" way out of situations, Steven is more authoritative about pushing ahead, regardless of potential consequences. I see this as a major growth of his character, and completely natural given the series of events that have brought him to this point.
Roy remains the same, cantankerous man that we have always known, and the two still work their comedic dynamics when together.
Another great installment in the River series!
Highly recommended!
Here we have Roy and Steven learning about a creature whose destruction cycles around twelve-year intervals. Richan just keeps getting more creative and gory with his paranormal entities. Aside from the Shen, we are introduced to some monstrous creatures from the "Dark River", who are "assisting" Roy and Steven for reasons all of their own. Additionally, we also see more of some past characters, including a demon (Vohuman), and a phone consult with Winn from the Downwinders series. Slowly, Richan is beginning to link these three branches of the "River Universe".
In this particular novel, Steven's personality is evolving greatly. After his tragic loss, he has become much more assertive when dealing with other entities, and his confidence is growing as illustrated by his "take charge" attitude. Whereas before he relied mainly on his father, Roy's knowledge, he has now become more his equal in their partnership. With this shift, I've noticed that instead of questioning and trying to find a "safer" way out of situations, Steven is more authoritative about pushing ahead, regardless of potential consequences. I see this as a major growth of his character, and completely natural given the series of events that have brought him to this point.
Roy remains the same, cantankerous man that we have always known, and the two still work their comedic dynamics when together.
Another great installment in the River series!
Highly recommended!
September 21, 2015
This is the 10th book in The River Series. Roy and Steven agree to become caretakers of Eximere. Roy and Steven learn about a monster that is recycled every 12 years and now must be banished. We are introduce to a few new characters and a few from the past. Vohuman is helping Roy and Steven for some unknown reason. With the tragic loss of his son, Steven starts to act with authority and confidence when dealing with his enemies. Roy was the soul leader of the duo at one time but Steven has moved up to become Roy's equal. Richan is slowly weaving the branches of The River Universe together. I highly recommend this book!
October 7, 2017
Loose ends locked up
This book seemed more of an exercise in tying up loose ends and fitting the pieces of the puzzle together... Information I liked having, but compared to the new worlds and excitement of others... It just left me wanting and unable to justify the purchase. Still a great book...
This book seemed more of an exercise in tying up loose ends and fitting the pieces of the puzzle together... Information I liked having, but compared to the new worlds and excitement of others... It just left me wanting and unable to justify the purchase. Still a great book...
September 8, 2015
Book 10 needs 10 stars! Just when they thought it was safe to relax in Eximere again. Poor Roy and Steven, they can't catch a break.
Very hard to put down. As usual Richan's descriptions are so vivid that "seeing" the story is simple. There are of course some chuckles because, well ROY, he is reminds me so much of an older gentleman I absolutely adore.
I along with Steven wonder what is under Judith's blankets, guess I'll just have to keep tuning in to find out.
Very hard to put down. As usual Richan's descriptions are so vivid that "seeing" the story is simple. There are of course some chuckles because, well ROY, he is reminds me so much of an older gentleman I absolutely adore.
I along with Steven wonder what is under Judith's blankets, guess I'll just have to keep tuning in to find out.
May 31, 2016
How is it possible that the series just gets better?
I devoured Book 10 of The River series in less than a day...so much action and all the tense situations that rise up to challenge Steven and Roy, and they always work it out without sacrificing a great story. I'm about to begin the last River Book, and I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to these guys...can't wait to read the other books about the Dark River!
I devoured Book 10 of The River series in less than a day...so much action and all the tense situations that rise up to challenge Steven and Roy, and they always work it out without sacrificing a great story. I'm about to begin the last River Book, and I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to these guys...can't wait to read the other books about the Dark River!
September 15, 2015
Again another perfect book in the River series. I can't wait to see what comes next. I hate giving reviews because I don't want to post spoilers. So I'll just say you have to read this book. Read all the River series in order, I love the crossovers. I also have to say as another reviewer said I miss Eliza and what is up with Judith?
October 1, 2015
What a fun and fascinating addition to the "River" books. As always, I keep trying to figure out what's going to happen next, and I'm totally wrong!
The world of the "Dark River" is becoming more and more intriguing on so many levels.
As always, I can't wait for the next book!
The world of the "Dark River" is becoming more and more intriguing on so many levels.
As always, I can't wait for the next book!
September 24, 2015
Awesome book! Like the rest of the series, I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to see if this series ties into the "Dark River" series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews