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River
Does she have a secret life? One even she doesn’t know about?
Ever since seventeen-year old River can remember, she’s always had the real sense that she is in the wrong place. Because of this, she battles a constant restlessness that consumes her. Running is the only thing that helps.
Another reason she knows she’s wrong?
She can see the light around a person. Everyone gives off energy and somehow, River can see a bit of it. She knows when someone’s good or bad. She just doesn’t know what a blurry light means, like the light around the creepy new kid, Wicked.
Upon seeing him, something inside her breaks open; a crack along some forgotten wall that frees a painful wave of raw emotion and faint visions and an emerald-eyed boy that River doesn’t remember but knows she should.
After Wicked reveals his violent, supernatural side, River’s world explodes and everything she thought was real fades away. Taken from her life in Georgia, River is forced into the dangerous, but beautiful, self-sustaining-power-filled-live-in-the-trees-like-Robin-Hood Fair world that has been impatiently awaiting her return.
Ever since seventeen-year old River can remember, she’s always had the real sense that she is in the wrong place. Because of this, she battles a constant restlessness that consumes her. Running is the only thing that helps.
Another reason she knows she’s wrong?
She can see the light around a person. Everyone gives off energy and somehow, River can see a bit of it. She knows when someone’s good or bad. She just doesn’t know what a blurry light means, like the light around the creepy new kid, Wicked.
Upon seeing him, something inside her breaks open; a crack along some forgotten wall that frees a painful wave of raw emotion and faint visions and an emerald-eyed boy that River doesn’t remember but knows she should.
After Wicked reveals his violent, supernatural side, River’s world explodes and everything she thought was real fades away. Taken from her life in Georgia, River is forced into the dangerous, but beautiful, self-sustaining-power-filled-live-in-the-trees-like-Robin-Hood Fair world that has been impatiently awaiting her return.
- GenresFantasy
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2019
7 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 7, 2019
I devoured this book in one sitting - I simply could not put it down and I was nearly in tears when I reached the end because I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know more! The world building is exquisite, the characters are compelling and engaging, and the story line has me hooked. When is the next book in the series coming??
River is an incredible mix of bad-ass and fragile, so flawed and yet so pure it is painful to follow her thoughts and feelings as you move through the story with her. She is powerful and genuine and, most importantly, she is REAL. She speaks and acts like a girl her age would speak and act. Ryen Lesli has created a character that had me laughing in one scene and brought tears to my eyes in the next. The scenes were so deliciously written that I was laughing out loud at the antics of these young people while feeling their angst at the same time. The conflicts are palpable - wonderfully well-written and believable, you can't help but fall in love with River, Wolf, and Cat and feel the heartache they all feel as they move through the story together. The chemistry between them is so heated that you can feel the hum in the air as they deal with their confusion and love. So powerful!
I also have to address the overarching story that this book introduces but will do so carefully so as not to spoil it for other readers. Nothing short of amazing. The depth is astounding and I am more than excited to see where the author takes us next. Her writing is compelling and realistic - I could feel the emotions through River but also envision what she was seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching. The evil in this book makes me shiver - it is presented in a no-holds-barred fashion and doesn't pull any punches. It is downright frightening.
I wish I could give this more stars. Five just aren't enough. I will be following this author closely and as soon as her next book is available for pre-order, I will be snatching up my copy. It was a thrill to be lost in another world!
River is an incredible mix of bad-ass and fragile, so flawed and yet so pure it is painful to follow her thoughts and feelings as you move through the story with her. She is powerful and genuine and, most importantly, she is REAL. She speaks and acts like a girl her age would speak and act. Ryen Lesli has created a character that had me laughing in one scene and brought tears to my eyes in the next. The scenes were so deliciously written that I was laughing out loud at the antics of these young people while feeling their angst at the same time. The conflicts are palpable - wonderfully well-written and believable, you can't help but fall in love with River, Wolf, and Cat and feel the heartache they all feel as they move through the story together. The chemistry between them is so heated that you can feel the hum in the air as they deal with their confusion and love. So powerful!
I also have to address the overarching story that this book introduces but will do so carefully so as not to spoil it for other readers. Nothing short of amazing. The depth is astounding and I am more than excited to see where the author takes us next. Her writing is compelling and realistic - I could feel the emotions through River but also envision what she was seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching. The evil in this book makes me shiver - it is presented in a no-holds-barred fashion and doesn't pull any punches. It is downright frightening.
I wish I could give this more stars. Five just aren't enough. I will be following this author closely and as soon as her next book is available for pre-order, I will be snatching up my copy. It was a thrill to be lost in another world!
October 6, 2019
Disclosure: It’s rare for me to seek out YA/NA, but when I do, I pick the best out there. River met that challenge hands down leaving me frothing for more.
This mega novel debuts a 10 book series and starts off captivatingly strong (Read – you can’t put it down). Lesli builds a complex, fascinating world peppered with deliciously ambiguous heroes and villains. She combines a fairy tale high fantasy world with classic horror and a tantalizing taste of teenage angsty romance. The strong language and visually descriptive teen behavior is on point! If you are not in the 12-25 age group, your teenage memories will be shouting ‘spot on’. As a parent who has raised my own ‘heathens’, Lesli has the adults down pat knowing how to throw shade at their teens. How many times can I say DELICIOUS?
This is a book to devour, today!
This mega novel debuts a 10 book series and starts off captivatingly strong (Read – you can’t put it down). Lesli builds a complex, fascinating world peppered with deliciously ambiguous heroes and villains. She combines a fairy tale high fantasy world with classic horror and a tantalizing taste of teenage angsty romance. The strong language and visually descriptive teen behavior is on point! If you are not in the 12-25 age group, your teenage memories will be shouting ‘spot on’. As a parent who has raised my own ‘heathens’, Lesli has the adults down pat knowing how to throw shade at their teens. How many times can I say DELICIOUS?
This is a book to devour, today!
May 5, 2020
"Did she say anything else?" River asked.
"'What was bound in the beginning, will stay bound to the end.'"
She broke out in goosebumps.
- Ryen Lesli, River
River is the first book I have read by Ryen Lesli. It is exciting, funny and suspenseful.
I have loved the character of River. She is a teen-aged girl with certain dreams about her own future. One day, she finds out she does not even know her and her loved ones' real identity. She struggles to accept and defy her pre-destined future.
The love-hate relationship between River and Wolf is well-developed.
I have liked the fantasy world created by the author. The descriptions of places and incidents are detailed and vivid.
The writing style of the author in this book is unique and interesting.
The readers of Young Adult Fantasy and Romance novels will like this book.
"'What was bound in the beginning, will stay bound to the end.'"
She broke out in goosebumps.
- Ryen Lesli, River
River is the first book I have read by Ryen Lesli. It is exciting, funny and suspenseful.
I have loved the character of River. She is a teen-aged girl with certain dreams about her own future. One day, she finds out she does not even know her and her loved ones' real identity. She struggles to accept and defy her pre-destined future.
The love-hate relationship between River and Wolf is well-developed.
I have liked the fantasy world created by the author. The descriptions of places and incidents are detailed and vivid.
The writing style of the author in this book is unique and interesting.
The readers of Young Adult Fantasy and Romance novels will like this book.
April 4, 2019
Right off the bat I have a confession to make. Young adult is not my usual genre to read. I have never read Harry Potter, Twilight, or Hunger Games. I know, I can hear the gnashing of teeth and the clicking of buttons as people unfollow me. It is just not my thing.
So what the hell? Some of you may be asking. Why are you ARC reading/reviewing Ryen Lesli’s (AKA, The Witches’) River then?
To be frank, I was intrigued by her premise. Listening to her interviews and her description of what she wrote and why she wrote it made me decide I would give it a whirl. Now it wasn’t the fact that she said that River came to her in a dream (while that is pretty cool too, and her story about her dream is fascinating. Check out her interview if you are curious.) But hey, there’s a lot of authors out there that have had books and characters inspired by dreams, myself included. Tales inspired by dreams are literally as old as humanity. Some of the most famous pieces of literature, The Quran, the Bible, The Divine Comedy, so on and so forth were inspired by dreams.
So, what made me want to jump out of genre and pick up something that I would NOT normally read? It was the promise of something—different. Ryen describes herself as raising three teenage heathens, and she refused to backdown on the language and style of her story. Multiple agents refused the book due to her use of swear words and themes that were deemed inappropriate for a Young Adult audience.
I get it, I really do. Literary Agents are looking at the market. They want something that they think will sell. I am a writer, and I check out #MSWL. I see some of the posts. Everyone is looking for the next [INSERT CURRENT POPULAR BOOK HERE]. They have to; they are out to make money. They don’t work for free. And let’s be honest. People dream of being the next J.K. Rowling. The next Stephen King. They don’t dream of having their books pulped after three months because no one bought it.
But like other authors, when I am querying, the question that stumps me/irritates me is:
What book is your book like? Who is your writing like?
It can’t be anyone too famous or too popular. It can’t be anyone too obscure. You also sometimes feel like, wait, I thought I was supposed to be writing something different, right? It feels like a trick question.
What they want to know is, who is the market for this book.
Reading Ryen Leslie’s River. I can answer that.
As I sat on my couch, computer in my lap, scrolling through the pages, I turned to my husband and said,
“HOLY S—T, Ray! I’m in my niece’s head! Hell, I’m in MY head when I was 15.”
Yes, there I was. Back in those angsty, awkward, hormone-fueled, high-drama teenage years.
Whoa Nellie! Kind of a scary place to be. More frightening than some of the horror that I like to write.
Everything was so important. The world was going to end every single week. Ryen’s characters talk and act like real teenagers. Not like adults think that teens should act. No. These kids swear. They obsess about their bodies. They wonder about their sexuality, both their own and others. There’s no filter or political correctness. They haven’t learned that yet. They’re still figuring that out, and growing. And that’s okay.
Now, add in the fact that though her mother has been raising her as a human for the last twelve years, she’s actually a Fair, a sort of Fairy Princess with supernatural powers. Now you have a recipe for geeking-out.
Yes, this is the kind of book my teenage self would have eaten up like a hot fudge sundae. My D&D playing, fencing, Dragon Lance-Reading, drama club-participating, math team mega-nerd would have been all over this. Oh, my friends and I would have shared this book amongst ourselves at school. We would have made costumes, assigned ourselves characters and probably even done re-enactments.
Now before you think I am relegating her book the realm of nerds only, that is not the case. In 1994 (my sophomore year of high school) Interview with the Vampire was released as a movie. This was all the rage in high school. Though she published it in the 1970’s it became “the” book that was passed around school in the two years leading up two the movie actually being released (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise AND Antonio Banderas, in one movie—yeah raging hormones indeed). It was not really the kind of book my mom thought was appropriate for me to read. Didn’t stop me, barely slowed me down. My more popular (and more worldly) neighbor made sure I got a copy of not only that, but A. N. Roquelaure’s (Anne Rice’s erotica pen name) Sleeping Beauty series. Admittedly, I liked Interview with the Vampire, but I was a little too immature for the rest. They didn’t corrupt me, like some might worry. I frankly was just too naïve/innocent to connect with the material at that stage in my development. I just didn’t get it, so it was more like, shrug, what’s the big deal?
But back to Ryen’s book. This is the kind of book that speaks to a lot of teens that imagine or wish they were something else. The target audience is the twelve to 25-year-old crowd. The writing style and language doesn’t really work for an older crowd, but really speaks to this generation. This is how they talk, whether we want to acknowledge that or not.
Speaking of talking, I sense the clutching of pearls at “the swear words.”
Oh dear. I realize that it is not very refined, and yes, we should be encouraging kids to speak to each other respectfully. On the other hand, what I really enjoyed about her writing style is, this is how kids talk to each other. I think back to how my cousins and I talked to each other growing up and the things I thought in my head. We purposefully thought up the most horrible, nasty, terrible things we could say to each other. And we reveled in it. Don’t even get me started on the shade I threw at my mother. I don’t have kids of my own, but I volunteer at high schools and junior high. The kids feel free to say things around me that they wouldn’t say around other adults. Their parents would be appalled.
Side note, loved River constantly referring to her mother as “the f--king Queen.” Would also love to have been in Beth’s head and seen some of the shade mom is throwing back at her rebellious little witch.
Quite frankly, Ryen’s writing is tame in comparison to some of the things I said a teen. And I was a “good” kid, an honor student. I have a newsflash for some parents out there. If you think that your kids are not talking to each other like this, I have bad news for you. But then, nothing I will say will change your mind. You will probably also not believe me when I show you the statistics that they are also sexting each other, contemplating drugs, sexuality, self-harm, suicide, and other “adult” issues. It’s always someone else’s kid that’s doing these things, not your own, right?
Whether you believe me or not, now that I have established the audience for this book and the general plot for this book, time to delve into the characters and themes.
Ryen does a great job in the first three chapters of establishing River as an intriguing character and setting a fast pace. There’s no way that you’re putting this down until you find out why River and her mother have to run from Wicked, the creepy boy at school dating her friend Skye.
Mother vs Daughter
“You will thwart me at every step, but when it comes to a struggle between mother and daughter my little one, remember…mothers have the advantage of knowing not only how and why they behave, but how daughters behave as they do. For mothers were all daughters once, but daughters take their time to learn to be mothers…”
Margarethe to Iris in Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister, Gregory McGuire
I have argued this before in one of my other reviews. Disney claims that Beauty and the Beast is a “Tale as Old as Time.” I would argue there’s an older tale. Its archetype permeates our culture and literature. It’s the push and pull between mothers and daughters. The expectations that are placed on one another, and often, the failures to live up to these expectations. The tales of natural love, hate, and resentment, that builds; especially in the teenage years can be seen repeating through all cultures.
On one side you have the mother, making choices and sacrifices, expecting love and gratitude in return. On the other side you have the daughter, attempting to learn and grow. At times these choices run counter to this growth. Ryen demonstrates this beautifully between headstrong River and her mother Beth.
Beth has been hiding River in the human world to keep her safe. She is a queen, subjugated to living with creatures she considers beneath her. She is making sacrifices to keep her daughter, her legacy and her kingdom, safe. She expects gratitude and compliance for this when they finally return to the beautiful world of the Fairs. Ryen’s description of Beth made me think of Arthur’s mother from Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga. Beth is a Queen first, and a mother second. She will do everything in her power to protect her daughter and her legacy, but she is not the cozy, touchy-feely, “let’s-share-our-feelings Tampax commercial” mom. She has a kingdom to run on her own and a daughter to keep safe.
“Why didn’t we just come back here?” she asked.
Her mom made an impatient noise, waving her hand. “Your father had been murdered by Obsidian and his mate, Angel. It tore our world apart, leaving us undefended. The power he and Angel have? River, it is unforgiving. I did what I had to, to ensure the throne stayed pure and yet, there you sit, acting as if I did this to be mean to you.”
While River has sensed her whole life that something was wrong, she’s not ready for this dramatic shift. Everything changes, even her physical appearance.
"What. The. Fuck? Um, right, ohkay...well…her skin was uh… gold. Like gold, gold. Holy shit, her skin was gold! It wasn’t like, crazy gold but she was definitely…gold. There was a mesmerizing luminous sheen to it. The colors so bright, she looked photoshopped or—wait a second—why did her lips look like that? She peered closer, opening her mouth, stretching it out a couple of times."
Her mother erases her old life once again, “to keep her safe.” Her mother sweeps her away from modern day Georgia, with cell phones and internet. They are suddenly in the Ebb, located on the California coast, the world of the Fair that sits in parallel with the human world. The best way to describe it would be they live almost like they’re Amish, growing things from the earth on farms, but also using their natural magic. She’s finding out that so much information has been withheld, manipulated and twisted in the name of protecting her, she is lost. A full-grown adult with mature rationalizing capabilities would be hard pressed to cope. Hand this to a hormonal, immature teen, yeah—not going to go over well. Ryen does a good job of creating a relatable character struggling with this new world, which should be the world of dreams, but it is hard for teenage River to come to grips.
Society wants us to pretend like mothers and daughters have this beautiful, natural, perfect bond. Movies, commercials, greeting cards surround us. Filled with loving mothers and daughters shopping, drinking coffee together and getting matching manis and pedis. This is what we as women get shoved down our throats. Oh no, it can be more like two cats squaring off in an alley with their hackles raised; especially during the teenage years. There was a reason Amy Tan’s the Joy Luck Club was so popular. It portrayed the rift that can occur between the desires of mothers and daughters and the expectations they set for one another.
"She looked at her mom, really looked at her. “My life has been nothing but lies! I don’t know how I am supposed to feel or—or how I shouldn’t!” she snapped. “Talk about me being selfish—poor Beth, she was homesick and couldn’t worship her Goddess out in the open! Boofuckin’-hoo.” River felt satisfaction when her mom’s face turned red with shocked outrage. “Well, thanks for your uh, sacrifices. It must suck to be a mother. Now, lemme explain this so my Queen understands it. This is where you get up and take your unwanted ass back to the Castle, ‘cause I got all this,” River assured her, waving her hand."
The struggle between angsty River and as I mentioned before, “the F—king Queen,” made me chuckle, over and over. I may have to send a copy of this book to my sister just so she can laugh. You can practically cut the tension between these two as mom and daughter square off. Obviously, we’re seeing this all from River’s perspective, but you can easily picture what is going through Queen Mum’s head through Ryen’s showing of emotions. You can tell the Fairy Queen is longing to magically b----h-slap her lippy princess.
River’s mouth fell open. “Mom—”
“You will address me as the Queen,” she interrupted River, her expression cold.
In the loud silence of the car, River’s face turned bright red. “How about the fuckin’ Queen?” she wanted to snarl, but she somehow kept her mouth shut. God, she hated her mother.
I can’t wait to see how this plays out as River has to find her way through life not only as an adult, but an eventual ruler. How will she live up to, or fail to meet her mother’s expectations? What clashes, or mending, in their relationship will occur as River develops?
Freewill Warriors vs. the Fairs
“To be Chaste or Be Chased”
This is one of my favorite taglines from the book Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked. It speaks a lot to the cultural shift we are seeing in society today as both men and women struggle to find their own voices and sexuality. No one can deny that there has been a dramatic revolution over the past century, and it is accelerating in recent years. Behaviors and activities that were normalized and accepted ten years ago are being recognized as inappropriate. The roles of men and women are being redefined in our society, and it will have an impact on every aspect of our lives.
Meanwhile we have the teen years of exploration and development. The awkward and frustrating years where we are growing changing and trying to develop an identity separate from our parents. We are defining what we want and what we need sexually. Unfortunately, the mixed messages we get from society, the media, our parents and our friends can shape this development, for better or worse.
We think we outgrow this as adults, leave it behind, like we do fairy tales, but in reality, we do not. The hang-ups and insecurities we had as teens can linger long into adulthood. They haunt us as we grow, running through our relationships and lives like threads in a tapestry. Sometimes, binding it together. At others, ruining the picture.
What will we do about our desires/sexuality? For us, we have free will. Our desires are determined by hormones, attraction, upbringing, culture, etc. In the River’s new world, her mate is pre-destined. Even though she may have desires for someone else, her fate is set. Ryen sets up four very compelling characters and their reactions to their destined mates, drawing unique parallels to ourselves:
• Meekly accept it (Dawn)
• Resent it and seethe over it (Ruby)
• Both fear and want it (Scarlet)
• Fight and flee from it (River)
The irony is that even though we have free will, due to our upbringing, cultural expectations about sex and sexuality, attachment style, etc., we can have these same reactions to becoming intimate. These reactions can both bring a relationship closer, or tear it apart. Read any contemporary romance novel, and you will see some aspect of the above in the plot.
I am not really into the “Will they/won’t they” kind of romance. But in this case, once again, it works. Why? Because they’re teenagers.
I remember those years of the high drama, back and forth romances between my friends where it was break-up and make-up daily.
In Ryen’s story, unlike adult romances where you just want to scream at the characters to get over it, I can understand the back and forth and the miscommunications due to lack of maturity. It makes sense in the context of her story and makes the characters believable and relatable.
*Though I have to admit I was still screaming at them, “Just get over it and screw already! Dammit, Ryen you’re a tease!!!!”
Free Will
Adding to the complexity of this issue is that River has tasted free will, something most of her kind cannot comprehend. She was raised in the “Outside,” what the Fair refer to as the Human world. She was allowed to flirt and tease boys with the only consequence being hurt feelings or even a broken heart. The laws of this new world are more binding. The bitterness over not being able to choose who she wants adds additional conflict to the story and drives a wedge between herself and her destined mate, Wolf (also known as Luca). A boy who she chose long ago and then was forced to forget due to her mother’s need to hide her. Wolf now struggles to forgive her for forgetting him (even though she had no choice), but he also grapples with the guilt of not having watched over her like he promised. These two lovers will battle with themselves and each other to see if they can make their destiny work.
“The Warriors here will not be like the human boys on the Outside.”
“Well, I can see that,” River said, feeling defensive.
“Can you? A human boy has a certain freedom. I know that out there, you are allowed to be together, that you kiss and touch and nothing is thought of it. However, it is different here. A Warrior does not have that freedom. You need to know, River, that we mate for life. Once a claim is made on you, or you claim another, that is it. The claim is binding. Cat is tender-hearted and favors you. Be gentle, River. You could hurt him easily.”
Free will and River’s struggle within the new confines of her magical world is a deep theme of this book. There are many more instances to draw on, but I will allow the reader to find and ponder these for themselves.
The Antagonists
I can’t finish this review without bringing the antagonists into it. Ryen paints a chilling picture of some truly creepy antagonists. We meet twins, Wicked and Ghost, at the very beginning, who force a reaction from River that shatters the carefully built illusions her mother has created to keep her safe. Out to capture River, Beth and River flee back to the safety of the “Ebb,” their home.
She introduces Angel, their mother, a short time later. By the end of the short scene, there is no doubt in the reader’s mind that there is something seriously wrong with this character. We don’t hear much about these characters again until the very end of the book. At the risk of spoilers, and the fact that I want those who read Ryen’s book to experience the intense scene between River and Angel for themselves I will defer from describing it much. I will say that Ryen sets up the suspense and the conflict between this wicked woman-creature and River, leaving the reader thinking, WTF?
*For me this was like the classic horror scene where you’re watching the character, getting ready to open the closet door where something nasty is waiting. You’re shaking your head saying, “Don’t do it—you’ll be sorry. But they do it anyway.”
My one criticism would be that I would loved to have had more scenes showing these antagonists’ maneuverings throughout the story. She’s created fascinating, complex, and ambiguous villains. Their ultimate motives are up for grabs, so it would have been great to have more of them
So what the hell? Some of you may be asking. Why are you ARC reading/reviewing Ryen Lesli’s (AKA, The Witches’) River then?
To be frank, I was intrigued by her premise. Listening to her interviews and her description of what she wrote and why she wrote it made me decide I would give it a whirl. Now it wasn’t the fact that she said that River came to her in a dream (while that is pretty cool too, and her story about her dream is fascinating. Check out her interview if you are curious.) But hey, there’s a lot of authors out there that have had books and characters inspired by dreams, myself included. Tales inspired by dreams are literally as old as humanity. Some of the most famous pieces of literature, The Quran, the Bible, The Divine Comedy, so on and so forth were inspired by dreams.
So, what made me want to jump out of genre and pick up something that I would NOT normally read? It was the promise of something—different. Ryen describes herself as raising three teenage heathens, and she refused to backdown on the language and style of her story. Multiple agents refused the book due to her use of swear words and themes that were deemed inappropriate for a Young Adult audience.
I get it, I really do. Literary Agents are looking at the market. They want something that they think will sell. I am a writer, and I check out #MSWL. I see some of the posts. Everyone is looking for the next [INSERT CURRENT POPULAR BOOK HERE]. They have to; they are out to make money. They don’t work for free. And let’s be honest. People dream of being the next J.K. Rowling. The next Stephen King. They don’t dream of having their books pulped after three months because no one bought it.
But like other authors, when I am querying, the question that stumps me/irritates me is:
What book is your book like? Who is your writing like?
It can’t be anyone too famous or too popular. It can’t be anyone too obscure. You also sometimes feel like, wait, I thought I was supposed to be writing something different, right? It feels like a trick question.
What they want to know is, who is the market for this book.
Reading Ryen Leslie’s River. I can answer that.
As I sat on my couch, computer in my lap, scrolling through the pages, I turned to my husband and said,
“HOLY S—T, Ray! I’m in my niece’s head! Hell, I’m in MY head when I was 15.”
Yes, there I was. Back in those angsty, awkward, hormone-fueled, high-drama teenage years.
Whoa Nellie! Kind of a scary place to be. More frightening than some of the horror that I like to write.
Everything was so important. The world was going to end every single week. Ryen’s characters talk and act like real teenagers. Not like adults think that teens should act. No. These kids swear. They obsess about their bodies. They wonder about their sexuality, both their own and others. There’s no filter or political correctness. They haven’t learned that yet. They’re still figuring that out, and growing. And that’s okay.
Now, add in the fact that though her mother has been raising her as a human for the last twelve years, she’s actually a Fair, a sort of Fairy Princess with supernatural powers. Now you have a recipe for geeking-out.
Yes, this is the kind of book my teenage self would have eaten up like a hot fudge sundae. My D&D playing, fencing, Dragon Lance-Reading, drama club-participating, math team mega-nerd would have been all over this. Oh, my friends and I would have shared this book amongst ourselves at school. We would have made costumes, assigned ourselves characters and probably even done re-enactments.
Now before you think I am relegating her book the realm of nerds only, that is not the case. In 1994 (my sophomore year of high school) Interview with the Vampire was released as a movie. This was all the rage in high school. Though she published it in the 1970’s it became “the” book that was passed around school in the two years leading up two the movie actually being released (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise AND Antonio Banderas, in one movie—yeah raging hormones indeed). It was not really the kind of book my mom thought was appropriate for me to read. Didn’t stop me, barely slowed me down. My more popular (and more worldly) neighbor made sure I got a copy of not only that, but A. N. Roquelaure’s (Anne Rice’s erotica pen name) Sleeping Beauty series. Admittedly, I liked Interview with the Vampire, but I was a little too immature for the rest. They didn’t corrupt me, like some might worry. I frankly was just too naïve/innocent to connect with the material at that stage in my development. I just didn’t get it, so it was more like, shrug, what’s the big deal?
But back to Ryen’s book. This is the kind of book that speaks to a lot of teens that imagine or wish they were something else. The target audience is the twelve to 25-year-old crowd. The writing style and language doesn’t really work for an older crowd, but really speaks to this generation. This is how they talk, whether we want to acknowledge that or not.
Speaking of talking, I sense the clutching of pearls at “the swear words.”
Oh dear. I realize that it is not very refined, and yes, we should be encouraging kids to speak to each other respectfully. On the other hand, what I really enjoyed about her writing style is, this is how kids talk to each other. I think back to how my cousins and I talked to each other growing up and the things I thought in my head. We purposefully thought up the most horrible, nasty, terrible things we could say to each other. And we reveled in it. Don’t even get me started on the shade I threw at my mother. I don’t have kids of my own, but I volunteer at high schools and junior high. The kids feel free to say things around me that they wouldn’t say around other adults. Their parents would be appalled.
Side note, loved River constantly referring to her mother as “the f--king Queen.” Would also love to have been in Beth’s head and seen some of the shade mom is throwing back at her rebellious little witch.
Quite frankly, Ryen’s writing is tame in comparison to some of the things I said a teen. And I was a “good” kid, an honor student. I have a newsflash for some parents out there. If you think that your kids are not talking to each other like this, I have bad news for you. But then, nothing I will say will change your mind. You will probably also not believe me when I show you the statistics that they are also sexting each other, contemplating drugs, sexuality, self-harm, suicide, and other “adult” issues. It’s always someone else’s kid that’s doing these things, not your own, right?
Whether you believe me or not, now that I have established the audience for this book and the general plot for this book, time to delve into the characters and themes.
Ryen does a great job in the first three chapters of establishing River as an intriguing character and setting a fast pace. There’s no way that you’re putting this down until you find out why River and her mother have to run from Wicked, the creepy boy at school dating her friend Skye.
Mother vs Daughter
“You will thwart me at every step, but when it comes to a struggle between mother and daughter my little one, remember…mothers have the advantage of knowing not only how and why they behave, but how daughters behave as they do. For mothers were all daughters once, but daughters take their time to learn to be mothers…”
Margarethe to Iris in Confessions of an Ugly Step Sister, Gregory McGuire
I have argued this before in one of my other reviews. Disney claims that Beauty and the Beast is a “Tale as Old as Time.” I would argue there’s an older tale. Its archetype permeates our culture and literature. It’s the push and pull between mothers and daughters. The expectations that are placed on one another, and often, the failures to live up to these expectations. The tales of natural love, hate, and resentment, that builds; especially in the teenage years can be seen repeating through all cultures.
On one side you have the mother, making choices and sacrifices, expecting love and gratitude in return. On the other side you have the daughter, attempting to learn and grow. At times these choices run counter to this growth. Ryen demonstrates this beautifully between headstrong River and her mother Beth.
Beth has been hiding River in the human world to keep her safe. She is a queen, subjugated to living with creatures she considers beneath her. She is making sacrifices to keep her daughter, her legacy and her kingdom, safe. She expects gratitude and compliance for this when they finally return to the beautiful world of the Fairs. Ryen’s description of Beth made me think of Arthur’s mother from Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga. Beth is a Queen first, and a mother second. She will do everything in her power to protect her daughter and her legacy, but she is not the cozy, touchy-feely, “let’s-share-our-feelings Tampax commercial” mom. She has a kingdom to run on her own and a daughter to keep safe.
“Why didn’t we just come back here?” she asked.
Her mom made an impatient noise, waving her hand. “Your father had been murdered by Obsidian and his mate, Angel. It tore our world apart, leaving us undefended. The power he and Angel have? River, it is unforgiving. I did what I had to, to ensure the throne stayed pure and yet, there you sit, acting as if I did this to be mean to you.”
While River has sensed her whole life that something was wrong, she’s not ready for this dramatic shift. Everything changes, even her physical appearance.
"What. The. Fuck? Um, right, ohkay...well…her skin was uh… gold. Like gold, gold. Holy shit, her skin was gold! It wasn’t like, crazy gold but she was definitely…gold. There was a mesmerizing luminous sheen to it. The colors so bright, she looked photoshopped or—wait a second—why did her lips look like that? She peered closer, opening her mouth, stretching it out a couple of times."
Her mother erases her old life once again, “to keep her safe.” Her mother sweeps her away from modern day Georgia, with cell phones and internet. They are suddenly in the Ebb, located on the California coast, the world of the Fair that sits in parallel with the human world. The best way to describe it would be they live almost like they’re Amish, growing things from the earth on farms, but also using their natural magic. She’s finding out that so much information has been withheld, manipulated and twisted in the name of protecting her, she is lost. A full-grown adult with mature rationalizing capabilities would be hard pressed to cope. Hand this to a hormonal, immature teen, yeah—not going to go over well. Ryen does a good job of creating a relatable character struggling with this new world, which should be the world of dreams, but it is hard for teenage River to come to grips.
Society wants us to pretend like mothers and daughters have this beautiful, natural, perfect bond. Movies, commercials, greeting cards surround us. Filled with loving mothers and daughters shopping, drinking coffee together and getting matching manis and pedis. This is what we as women get shoved down our throats. Oh no, it can be more like two cats squaring off in an alley with their hackles raised; especially during the teenage years. There was a reason Amy Tan’s the Joy Luck Club was so popular. It portrayed the rift that can occur between the desires of mothers and daughters and the expectations they set for one another.
"She looked at her mom, really looked at her. “My life has been nothing but lies! I don’t know how I am supposed to feel or—or how I shouldn’t!” she snapped. “Talk about me being selfish—poor Beth, she was homesick and couldn’t worship her Goddess out in the open! Boofuckin’-hoo.” River felt satisfaction when her mom’s face turned red with shocked outrage. “Well, thanks for your uh, sacrifices. It must suck to be a mother. Now, lemme explain this so my Queen understands it. This is where you get up and take your unwanted ass back to the Castle, ‘cause I got all this,” River assured her, waving her hand."
The struggle between angsty River and as I mentioned before, “the F—king Queen,” made me chuckle, over and over. I may have to send a copy of this book to my sister just so she can laugh. You can practically cut the tension between these two as mom and daughter square off. Obviously, we’re seeing this all from River’s perspective, but you can easily picture what is going through Queen Mum’s head through Ryen’s showing of emotions. You can tell the Fairy Queen is longing to magically b----h-slap her lippy princess.
River’s mouth fell open. “Mom—”
“You will address me as the Queen,” she interrupted River, her expression cold.
In the loud silence of the car, River’s face turned bright red. “How about the fuckin’ Queen?” she wanted to snarl, but she somehow kept her mouth shut. God, she hated her mother.
I can’t wait to see how this plays out as River has to find her way through life not only as an adult, but an eventual ruler. How will she live up to, or fail to meet her mother’s expectations? What clashes, or mending, in their relationship will occur as River develops?
Freewill Warriors vs. the Fairs
“To be Chaste or Be Chased”
This is one of my favorite taglines from the book Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked. It speaks a lot to the cultural shift we are seeing in society today as both men and women struggle to find their own voices and sexuality. No one can deny that there has been a dramatic revolution over the past century, and it is accelerating in recent years. Behaviors and activities that were normalized and accepted ten years ago are being recognized as inappropriate. The roles of men and women are being redefined in our society, and it will have an impact on every aspect of our lives.
Meanwhile we have the teen years of exploration and development. The awkward and frustrating years where we are growing changing and trying to develop an identity separate from our parents. We are defining what we want and what we need sexually. Unfortunately, the mixed messages we get from society, the media, our parents and our friends can shape this development, for better or worse.
We think we outgrow this as adults, leave it behind, like we do fairy tales, but in reality, we do not. The hang-ups and insecurities we had as teens can linger long into adulthood. They haunt us as we grow, running through our relationships and lives like threads in a tapestry. Sometimes, binding it together. At others, ruining the picture.
What will we do about our desires/sexuality? For us, we have free will. Our desires are determined by hormones, attraction, upbringing, culture, etc. In the River’s new world, her mate is pre-destined. Even though she may have desires for someone else, her fate is set. Ryen sets up four very compelling characters and their reactions to their destined mates, drawing unique parallels to ourselves:
• Meekly accept it (Dawn)
• Resent it and seethe over it (Ruby)
• Both fear and want it (Scarlet)
• Fight and flee from it (River)
The irony is that even though we have free will, due to our upbringing, cultural expectations about sex and sexuality, attachment style, etc., we can have these same reactions to becoming intimate. These reactions can both bring a relationship closer, or tear it apart. Read any contemporary romance novel, and you will see some aspect of the above in the plot.
I am not really into the “Will they/won’t they” kind of romance. But in this case, once again, it works. Why? Because they’re teenagers.
I remember those years of the high drama, back and forth romances between my friends where it was break-up and make-up daily.
In Ryen’s story, unlike adult romances where you just want to scream at the characters to get over it, I can understand the back and forth and the miscommunications due to lack of maturity. It makes sense in the context of her story and makes the characters believable and relatable.
*Though I have to admit I was still screaming at them, “Just get over it and screw already! Dammit, Ryen you’re a tease!!!!”
Free Will
Adding to the complexity of this issue is that River has tasted free will, something most of her kind cannot comprehend. She was raised in the “Outside,” what the Fair refer to as the Human world. She was allowed to flirt and tease boys with the only consequence being hurt feelings or even a broken heart. The laws of this new world are more binding. The bitterness over not being able to choose who she wants adds additional conflict to the story and drives a wedge between herself and her destined mate, Wolf (also known as Luca). A boy who she chose long ago and then was forced to forget due to her mother’s need to hide her. Wolf now struggles to forgive her for forgetting him (even though she had no choice), but he also grapples with the guilt of not having watched over her like he promised. These two lovers will battle with themselves and each other to see if they can make their destiny work.
“The Warriors here will not be like the human boys on the Outside.”
“Well, I can see that,” River said, feeling defensive.
“Can you? A human boy has a certain freedom. I know that out there, you are allowed to be together, that you kiss and touch and nothing is thought of it. However, it is different here. A Warrior does not have that freedom. You need to know, River, that we mate for life. Once a claim is made on you, or you claim another, that is it. The claim is binding. Cat is tender-hearted and favors you. Be gentle, River. You could hurt him easily.”
Free will and River’s struggle within the new confines of her magical world is a deep theme of this book. There are many more instances to draw on, but I will allow the reader to find and ponder these for themselves.
The Antagonists
I can’t finish this review without bringing the antagonists into it. Ryen paints a chilling picture of some truly creepy antagonists. We meet twins, Wicked and Ghost, at the very beginning, who force a reaction from River that shatters the carefully built illusions her mother has created to keep her safe. Out to capture River, Beth and River flee back to the safety of the “Ebb,” their home.
She introduces Angel, their mother, a short time later. By the end of the short scene, there is no doubt in the reader’s mind that there is something seriously wrong with this character. We don’t hear much about these characters again until the very end of the book. At the risk of spoilers, and the fact that I want those who read Ryen’s book to experience the intense scene between River and Angel for themselves I will defer from describing it much. I will say that Ryen sets up the suspense and the conflict between this wicked woman-creature and River, leaving the reader thinking, WTF?
*For me this was like the classic horror scene where you’re watching the character, getting ready to open the closet door where something nasty is waiting. You’re shaking your head saying, “Don’t do it—you’ll be sorry. But they do it anyway.”
My one criticism would be that I would loved to have had more scenes showing these antagonists’ maneuverings throughout the story. She’s created fascinating, complex, and ambiguous villains. Their ultimate motives are up for grabs, so it would have been great to have more of them
March 24, 2020
WHAT A BINGE-WORTHY READ!
I started this book last night just to get a feel for it and then was going to read more the next day. Instead, I spent THE ENTIRE NIGHT binge-reading this story. I REALLY loved how vivid all of the characters are and how vivid the settings are. It's such a well-done "fish out of water" story! So much wonderfully done twisty teen angst that kept me turning pages all night long until SIX IN THE MORNING. The theme of loss and recovery is pulled all throughout the book and I simply LOVE the way Ryen Lesli has tugged at my heartstrings with all of it.
When I say this book is written in deep third POV, I mean it is DEEP third. so much so that there were times I had to reread bits because I realized we were in third-person POV, and not first. SO WELL DONE! It really REALLY made me feel for all of the characters and their plights throughout the book.
Let me preface what I say next with this: I freaking hate love triangles. Like HATE hate love triangles. They're dumb and annoying and I will 100% stop reading a book once one is set up. NOT THIS ONE Y'ALL. There is a simply MASTERFULLY done love triangle in this that I would read over and over again.
tl;dr - I laughed, I cried, I will 100% read again. I'm starting the next one tonight.
I started this book last night just to get a feel for it and then was going to read more the next day. Instead, I spent THE ENTIRE NIGHT binge-reading this story. I REALLY loved how vivid all of the characters are and how vivid the settings are. It's such a well-done "fish out of water" story! So much wonderfully done twisty teen angst that kept me turning pages all night long until SIX IN THE MORNING. The theme of loss and recovery is pulled all throughout the book and I simply LOVE the way Ryen Lesli has tugged at my heartstrings with all of it.
When I say this book is written in deep third POV, I mean it is DEEP third. so much so that there were times I had to reread bits because I realized we were in third-person POV, and not first. SO WELL DONE! It really REALLY made me feel for all of the characters and their plights throughout the book.
Let me preface what I say next with this: I freaking hate love triangles. Like HATE hate love triangles. They're dumb and annoying and I will 100% stop reading a book once one is set up. NOT THIS ONE Y'ALL. There is a simply MASTERFULLY done love triangle in this that I would read over and over again.
tl;dr - I laughed, I cried, I will 100% read again. I'm starting the next one tonight.
September 23, 2019
Ryen Lesli's debut book, River, is an action packed adventure taking place in Muir Woods. River, a fast talking, sarcastic teen girl living in rural Georgia has her world knocked inside out. Literally. Most high school girls think they have it bad when they're late to French class or can't get a date to prom. But River's problems are nothing at all like the other girls in her high school. For one, River isn't actually human - she's a fae, and two, her mother happens to be their queen.
River has to come to grips with the fact that her life is completely different from that which she thought it was. And, that she will need to leave her friends and human life behind to take her place in the Fairy world. To make things worse, not only does she find out that her mother has lied to her for the past decade but she now has to take on the roll of princess. Something she doesn't readily accept. And, she will have to do it without her iPhone.
Lesli weaves a whimsical tale of modern day teen antics in the Fairy world. Her descriptive prose of the fae world puts the reader right in the center of the ebb. Some strong language and sexual imagery of mating rituals for the fairies may be a bit too adult for younger teen audiences. The overall story was interesting in how it explored the relationship between River and her mother, and the aspect of coming home to a place one didn't remember as home.
I look forward to reading future work of Ms. Lesli's as her writing skills will continue to develop with each new book.
River has to come to grips with the fact that her life is completely different from that which she thought it was. And, that she will need to leave her friends and human life behind to take her place in the Fairy world. To make things worse, not only does she find out that her mother has lied to her for the past decade but she now has to take on the roll of princess. Something she doesn't readily accept. And, she will have to do it without her iPhone.
Lesli weaves a whimsical tale of modern day teen antics in the Fairy world. Her descriptive prose of the fae world puts the reader right in the center of the ebb. Some strong language and sexual imagery of mating rituals for the fairies may be a bit too adult for younger teen audiences. The overall story was interesting in how it explored the relationship between River and her mother, and the aspect of coming home to a place one didn't remember as home.
I look forward to reading future work of Ms. Lesli's as her writing skills will continue to develop with each new book.
June 19, 2019
5+ STARS!!
Okay how to write a spoiler free review?! There's SO much I want to say about this story that grabbed me from the very start and kept me thoroughly hooked throughout.
This book is long but so worth every delectable word. It's a page turning addictively woven tale you won't want to put down.
I absolutely LOVED each character and scene, all so vividly described so you FEEL like you're there, seeing the scenes and characters in person.
There is good and evil. You're taken to another world you'd wish you could be actually part of.
Everything in this story was so well thought out, well defined and intricately woven, delivered with what you can tell was the heart and soul of the author.
The author's well crafted words were spun with a sense of realness, humor, suspense, romance and action.
This is my top favorite book I've read this year! I soooo very highly recommend all read it.
I can't WAIT for the next book in this series. I'll be diving into as soon as it's available that's for sure. BRING IT ON!!
Okay how to write a spoiler free review?! There's SO much I want to say about this story that grabbed me from the very start and kept me thoroughly hooked throughout.
This book is long but so worth every delectable word. It's a page turning addictively woven tale you won't want to put down.
I absolutely LOVED each character and scene, all so vividly described so you FEEL like you're there, seeing the scenes and characters in person.
There is good and evil. You're taken to another world you'd wish you could be actually part of.
Everything in this story was so well thought out, well defined and intricately woven, delivered with what you can tell was the heart and soul of the author.
The author's well crafted words were spun with a sense of realness, humor, suspense, romance and action.
This is my top favorite book I've read this year! I soooo very highly recommend all read it.
I can't WAIT for the next book in this series. I'll be diving into as soon as it's available that's for sure. BRING IT ON!!
April 12, 2019
Before I get into the nitty gritty of this book, let me preface by saying, young adult is not my usual go-to genre. Although, I must confess I read the Twilight series because you know, vampires, that’s my thing. 😊
River. Where do I begin? Let’s start with the characters, because great character development is the core to every remarkable book. Ryen nailed it! I love, love, love her main character River. This 17-year-old, and River is a teenager in every sense of the word, foul mouth and all, gets thrust into a world where the rules are in complete opposition from how she grew up; human.
If you’ve ever been a parent of a teenager, or hell, if you recently survived those tumultuous years or are struggling through them right now, you will connect with River. You’ll applaud the tough, no bullshit exterior she desperately clings to, sympathize with the inner chaos only a teenager can experience, and share in her angst with the “f*#@king queen”, her mother. Because what teenager, at some point in a high dramatic fashion, hasn't loathed their overbearing, controlling, out to destroy their life parents. River is a courageous, and inspiring young woman, and Ryen does an excellent job of bringing her to life with all the insecurities and inner turmoil of a young adult.
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the two hot, yummy guys in her life. Honestly, I didn’t know which one I liked more. Cat, for his unwavering loyalty and understanding wrapped around a delicious six pack, or Wolf, the angry, sexy beefcake who hides his hurt behind his rage. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Read it to find out.
What’s the next component to any wonderful fantasy story? Yup, you guessed it, world building.
Ryen’s book has it in spades. I can’t say enough about the fantasy world she’s conjured up in that brilliantly creative mind of hers. Ryen’s writing sucks you into a realm so vivid, you stop and look around to make sure you’re still sitting in your living room or bedroom, or wherever you read, and not walking alongside River and her friends in the Banyans.
The attention to detail wasn’t overwhelming or lengthy either. Several fantasy books I’ve read drone on and on about the environment and inner workings of said world. And half the time, I’m skipping ahead to get back to the actual story. Ryen gives you just enough to light your imagination on fire and draw you into the dazzling inner workings of River’s world.
So, even though this was not my normal genre to read, it sparked a need to get my hands on the ten books planned for this series. Yup. You heard me right. Ten books!
Ryen’s story and writing style resonated with me and I believe it will connect with both young adults and adults alike.
River. Where do I begin? Let’s start with the characters, because great character development is the core to every remarkable book. Ryen nailed it! I love, love, love her main character River. This 17-year-old, and River is a teenager in every sense of the word, foul mouth and all, gets thrust into a world where the rules are in complete opposition from how she grew up; human.
If you’ve ever been a parent of a teenager, or hell, if you recently survived those tumultuous years or are struggling through them right now, you will connect with River. You’ll applaud the tough, no bullshit exterior she desperately clings to, sympathize with the inner chaos only a teenager can experience, and share in her angst with the “f*#@king queen”, her mother. Because what teenager, at some point in a high dramatic fashion, hasn't loathed their overbearing, controlling, out to destroy their life parents. River is a courageous, and inspiring young woman, and Ryen does an excellent job of bringing her to life with all the insecurities and inner turmoil of a young adult.
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the two hot, yummy guys in her life. Honestly, I didn’t know which one I liked more. Cat, for his unwavering loyalty and understanding wrapped around a delicious six pack, or Wolf, the angry, sexy beefcake who hides his hurt behind his rage. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Read it to find out.
What’s the next component to any wonderful fantasy story? Yup, you guessed it, world building.
Ryen’s book has it in spades. I can’t say enough about the fantasy world she’s conjured up in that brilliantly creative mind of hers. Ryen’s writing sucks you into a realm so vivid, you stop and look around to make sure you’re still sitting in your living room or bedroom, or wherever you read, and not walking alongside River and her friends in the Banyans.
The attention to detail wasn’t overwhelming or lengthy either. Several fantasy books I’ve read drone on and on about the environment and inner workings of said world. And half the time, I’m skipping ahead to get back to the actual story. Ryen gives you just enough to light your imagination on fire and draw you into the dazzling inner workings of River’s world.
So, even though this was not my normal genre to read, it sparked a need to get my hands on the ten books planned for this series. Yup. You heard me right. Ten books!
Ryen’s story and writing style resonated with me and I believe it will connect with both young adults and adults alike.
June 19, 2019
So addictive
From the very beginning I was so completely emerged. The urgency to read every page, the dire need to have answers. This is the best YA book ever! I gotta go read it again!
From the very beginning I was so completely emerged. The urgency to read every page, the dire need to have answers. This is the best YA book ever! I gotta go read it again!
August 5, 2019
Having lived most of her life as an ordinary human, River’s life is turned upside down when she meets her best friend Skye’s intensely dark new boyfriend, Wicked and his twin, Ghost. Faced with danger, River is suddenly removed from the human world by her mother, forced to forget her whole life as a human, and forced to forget her friends from the human world. River is anything but ordinary. As River unsupresses, she discovers her powers, the world she truly lives in, and her true identity as a princess, with her cold, aloof mother the Queen. River must get used her powers, and the new world and way of life, whilst reconnecting with her childhood friends who she had been forced to forget most her life. With two strong Warriors also vying for her love, River must choose between the mate she is destined to have and her loyal, friendly Royal.
I really enjoyed this book. I think Ryen Lesli has such a wonderful ability to create this new magical world, along with a whole bunch of really loveable characters. Scarlet is such a sweetie, and I couldn’t help but have a lot of love for Cat.
I particularly enjoyed the humorous elements to this book too. From the language barriers, to the relatable girlish fun, right the way to River’s typical teenage attitude. I also quite enjoyed the amount of strapping young warriors this story had to offer. I could definitely visualise this story as a tv series which would have half the population swooning!
I’m really glad that a sequel is on the way because I miss the characters already and the book ended with twists and questions that I look forward to discovering the answers to!
If you like Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent...that sorta thing, then you need to pick up your copy of River today!
I really enjoyed this book. I think Ryen Lesli has such a wonderful ability to create this new magical world, along with a whole bunch of really loveable characters. Scarlet is such a sweetie, and I couldn’t help but have a lot of love for Cat.
I particularly enjoyed the humorous elements to this book too. From the language barriers, to the relatable girlish fun, right the way to River’s typical teenage attitude. I also quite enjoyed the amount of strapping young warriors this story had to offer. I could definitely visualise this story as a tv series which would have half the population swooning!
I’m really glad that a sequel is on the way because I miss the characters already and the book ended with twists and questions that I look forward to discovering the answers to!
If you like Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent...that sorta thing, then you need to pick up your copy of River today!
March 17, 2020
Caveat: I DO NOT read YA fiction. I am not completely unfamiliar with the genre, as I read some with my children when they were in that phase of their reading adventures, and was not at all sorry when they outgrew it. So why did I read River, you may be wondering. I have family members that will soon be reaching the YA stage, and books make great gifts. As a discerning reader myself, I don’t want to give them anything unvetted. I’ve seen samples of this author’s other work, and found it intriguing. Rumor had it that this novel is unlike others in the genre. So, I decided to give it a read.
River checks all the YA check boxes, magic, another world, mythical creatures, etc., so if this is your genre of choice, go ahead and grab yourself a copy now. Ms. Lesli does write her tale with an unusual flavor for angst-filled teens. River, while certainly no less naïve than any other 17-year-old, displays a modern attitude – she curses, she is disrespectful, she shares her emotions with not only the reader, but with the other characters in the book. She is not happy to have been snatched from her previous life, and has no qualms about making it known.
Overall, the story is compelling, the ebb (the world in which River finds herself) is well imagined, and I found I was hopeful that River would persevere. If you enjoy YA, I highly recommend this book. 5-stars, because when I started reading, I was not sure I would finish, but the story held my interest from beginning to end.
River checks all the YA check boxes, magic, another world, mythical creatures, etc., so if this is your genre of choice, go ahead and grab yourself a copy now. Ms. Lesli does write her tale with an unusual flavor for angst-filled teens. River, while certainly no less naïve than any other 17-year-old, displays a modern attitude – she curses, she is disrespectful, she shares her emotions with not only the reader, but with the other characters in the book. She is not happy to have been snatched from her previous life, and has no qualms about making it known.
Overall, the story is compelling, the ebb (the world in which River finds herself) is well imagined, and I found I was hopeful that River would persevere. If you enjoy YA, I highly recommend this book. 5-stars, because when I started reading, I was not sure I would finish, but the story held my interest from beginning to end.
May 17, 2020
Ok. Here's the full review:
This book did not live up to the hype for me. I wanted to like it because I enjoy reading Ryen Lesli's writing style, which switches like lightning from a semi-no-nonsense approach to descriptions and to instant purple prose, and she clearly put tons of effort into the world/character building.
When it started out, I thought River would be a strong female protagonist who actually broke stereotype and was a real tough girl. Turns out all she needs is to find out she's a Fair and all that's gone. Boom! She's a super-model by magic, the center of a toxic love triangle, turning Disney princess to save a chicken from being butchered, and sobbing all the time.
I get it, not everybody grew up like I did. The world is a harsh place and people are abusive. There's a lot of inequality. People make mistakes.
But I read to escape that.
And this is all just my personal opinion. If you read this book and love cliche, Twilight-like stories about "strong" female protags with wicked mothers and stalker boyfriends who watch them while they sleep, you'll probably like this too. Like I said, the writing has style that I like, there are minimal technical errors (though no book is free of those), there's some great world-building, and the characters are complex. It just doesn't cut it for me.
This book did not live up to the hype for me. I wanted to like it because I enjoy reading Ryen Lesli's writing style, which switches like lightning from a semi-no-nonsense approach to descriptions and to instant purple prose, and she clearly put tons of effort into the world/character building.
When it started out, I thought River would be a strong female protagonist who actually broke stereotype and was a real tough girl. Turns out all she needs is to find out she's a Fair and all that's gone. Boom! She's a super-model by magic, the center of a toxic love triangle, turning Disney princess to save a chicken from being butchered, and sobbing all the time.
I get it, not everybody grew up like I did. The world is a harsh place and people are abusive. There's a lot of inequality. People make mistakes.
But I read to escape that.
And this is all just my personal opinion. If you read this book and love cliche, Twilight-like stories about "strong" female protags with wicked mothers and stalker boyfriends who watch them while they sleep, you'll probably like this too. Like I said, the writing has style that I like, there are minimal technical errors (though no book is free of those), there's some great world-building, and the characters are complex. It just doesn't cut it for me.
April 29, 2019
While I do love the occasional Y/A or N/A fantasy stories, I don't read them often. However, I've followed this author on Twitter for a while and fell in love with her writing style. So I jumped at the chance to read River.
I'm so glad I did, as I enjoyed the story immensely. Ryen's world building is fantastic, and diving into her ebb of Warriors and Fairs was a treat. I also love the uncurrent of romance running along with this story. I'm a total sucker for a love triangle and the one between River, Cat, and Wolf was hot!
River was an incredible read from start to finish. I eagerly await book two of this fabulous series.
I'm so glad I did, as I enjoyed the story immensely. Ryen's world building is fantastic, and diving into her ebb of Warriors and Fairs was a treat. I also love the uncurrent of romance running along with this story. I'm a total sucker for a love triangle and the one between River, Cat, and Wolf was hot!
River was an incredible read from start to finish. I eagerly await book two of this fabulous series.
April 10, 2019
Finally finished this great book. The author really drags you into another world and doesn’t let go. I’ll admit this isn’t my normal read, but even when it started to get a tad bit slow, it kicked back in with a vengeance. The book travels between the normal world and another one, giving you details even as the main character learns them as well. This was a really great way to let the readers know what was going on, as well as suck them into a society different than they are used to. All in all River was great and I can’t wait for the next one.
April 17, 2019
I am not a huge book reader and it’s hard to really hold my attention but this book held me. The Banyans is the world I want to live in! I actually felt jealous I wasn’t one of the characters! River is both exciting and moving, the amount of detail and time the author has put into the book is absolutely badass. The book touches your heart but somehow breaks it at the same time. I am so impatient for book two! When is it coming Ryen Lesli?!
April 17, 2019
This book is amazing! I am already dying for the next book. I could see this turning into a movie series. This book has it all: love triangles (#team wolf) teenage turmoil, mother vs daughter anguish, villans that keep you up at night, and a cliff hanger that keeps you wanting more!
June 26, 2019
River is your typical seventeen-year-old girl, hanging with her best friend Skye and living in hot dusty Georgia. She's not fond of Skye's new boyfriend, but it's when she finally meets him that her life turns upside-down. Her mother whisks her away to a new world and removes the suppression of her memories: River finds out she's a Fair and has power, she's a princess (not that she cares much), and oh, she's also bonded to Luca, a boy from her childhood. Luca is now a warrior named Wolf, and he didn't take her leaving him well. Frustrated, River turns to Cat, her Royal (a type of bodyguard) for friendship and comfort.
The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.
The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.
The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.
Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.
The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.
The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.
The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.
Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.
September 23, 2019
A River Dances Through It
Great read! Superbly combines high fantasy and teen angst. A great introduction to new worlds, filled with magic and wonder. River learns she is not the human she thought she was, but is one of the Fair, and Fair royalty at that. I look forward to more from this talented author!
Great read! Superbly combines high fantasy and teen angst. A great introduction to new worlds, filled with magic and wonder. River learns she is not the human she thought she was, but is one of the Fair, and Fair royalty at that. I look forward to more from this talented author!
July 1, 2019
Ryen recently released her first book, a dark fantasy romance about a young woman who finds herself plucked from the world she thought was home and dropped into a magical new world where things are, shall we say, different. Normally, I’d look at a plot like that and yawn, but Ryen handles it beautifully and introduces her own twists to the genre. It’s true, there really isn’t anything new under the sun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a story and make it amazing with some sleight of hand and a little supernatural chicanery.
Rather than being just Fantasy Romance, it’s a good story that happens to be told in a Fantasy Romance setting. If you’re looking for a romantic triangle or a protagonist that doesn’t bend herself to immediately fit into her new surroundings or even a little magic, River is a good (and fun) book to look into. Even if you’re not necessarily into the genre. Perhaps the best part is, we’ve got more of River and her coterie coming down the pipe.
Read the full review on my blog
Rather than being just Fantasy Romance, it’s a good story that happens to be told in a Fantasy Romance setting. If you’re looking for a romantic triangle or a protagonist that doesn’t bend herself to immediately fit into her new surroundings or even a little magic, River is a good (and fun) book to look into. Even if you’re not necessarily into the genre. Perhaps the best part is, we’ve got more of River and her coterie coming down the pipe.
Read the full review on my blog
July 9, 2019
When is a River not a River? This is a great beginning to a struggle of a young woman named River to find herself and love. The descriptions of the surroundings are very vivid which makes one feel they are there. The emotions are strongly written out to make one either wanting to comfort, help, or slap some of the characters. It is funny, serious, and very well written.
July 9, 2019
Let's start with the elephant in the room. This young adult fantasy contains some swearing. If we're being honest, most teenagers swear. Some of them swear a lot. Even though I often write for adults, I can be honest in saying that there is not a lot of swearing in most of my books. No reason, I just don't. However, I have nothing against swearing when not used gratuitously in novels. Ryen uses the swearing effectively and appropriately for the characters and the situations.
I really found myself drawn into River's world. Both the human world and the hidden world that Ryen created for this story. It does that job of making you honestly believe that the fantastical can be living right next door and we might not know it. I was impressed with the depth of history, culture and mythology that she worked into this fantastical world. It's those little details that can really bring a story home for a reader - and they certainly enthralled me.
When it comes to the characters that you encounter in this story you will not be disappointed. Each one is well developed and distinct. I love her characters. Some of them I even love to hate them, but not one of them seems underdeveloped and there are no instances where I feel like they are out of character at any point. River is exactly the kind of girl who ran my internal dialogue as a teenager. As a teenager or an adult, I think we can all relate to her.
Overall, this is an incredible story. I loved every moment of it and, had I more time to read, I would have probably consumed it in a single sitting. Which actually brings me to one small point. If you have very limited reading time like I do, be prepared that a few chapters run a little on the longer side. Not all of them, just a few...and I found myself cursing more than River as I tried to get to the end of a longer chapter one morning before I had to leave for work. So, make you sure you set aside time to read this one, because it does deserve your undivided attention.
I really found myself drawn into River's world. Both the human world and the hidden world that Ryen created for this story. It does that job of making you honestly believe that the fantastical can be living right next door and we might not know it. I was impressed with the depth of history, culture and mythology that she worked into this fantastical world. It's those little details that can really bring a story home for a reader - and they certainly enthralled me.
When it comes to the characters that you encounter in this story you will not be disappointed. Each one is well developed and distinct. I love her characters. Some of them I even love to hate them, but not one of them seems underdeveloped and there are no instances where I feel like they are out of character at any point. River is exactly the kind of girl who ran my internal dialogue as a teenager. As a teenager or an adult, I think we can all relate to her.
Overall, this is an incredible story. I loved every moment of it and, had I more time to read, I would have probably consumed it in a single sitting. Which actually brings me to one small point. If you have very limited reading time like I do, be prepared that a few chapters run a little on the longer side. Not all of them, just a few...and I found myself cursing more than River as I tried to get to the end of a longer chapter one morning before I had to leave for work. So, make you sure you set aside time to read this one, because it does deserve your undivided attention.
July 17, 2019
Just completed River and was very impressed by debut author Ryen Lesli. I should note that I don't read books like YA series like Harry Potter or Twilight, although I have read some YA novels. Also, I was provided an advance reader copy of River for an honest review.
Ryen has created an incredibly genuine and compelling character in River. She speaks and acts like an actual teen, which I don't typically see in other YA novels I've read. That is the strength of this book, a main character that is captures your imagination, wrapped around some excellent world-building. There are scenes that are funny while others are frightening. The book is long but never drags, a true page turner. The author has proven herself to be a terrific story teller and will captivate readers, young and old. This has the potential to be a successful series.
Ryen has created an incredibly genuine and compelling character in River. She speaks and acts like an actual teen, which I don't typically see in other YA novels I've read. That is the strength of this book, a main character that is captures your imagination, wrapped around some excellent world-building. There are scenes that are funny while others are frightening. The book is long but never drags, a true page turner. The author has proven herself to be a terrific story teller and will captivate readers, young and old. This has the potential to be a successful series.
May 19, 2020
River has a second life she doesn’t know about. What happens when it sweeps in and changes everything she thinks she knows?
I jumped headfirst into this book without reading any descriptions, which is something I’ve been experimenting with lately.
This time I was blown away.
The author transported me into a complex world full of magic, love, and betrayals. I became swept up in following River as she tried to figure out who she really was and who to trust, who to love. I keep yelling at Wolf to give in and love her like he should! The characters are intriguing and so full of life! The dialogue was strongly realistic for the age of the characters.
And let’s talk about the end! (No spoilers) With how the author left me, I’m in it for the long haul for this series. I. Need. More.
Fate, here I come.
I jumped headfirst into this book without reading any descriptions, which is something I’ve been experimenting with lately.
This time I was blown away.
The author transported me into a complex world full of magic, love, and betrayals. I became swept up in following River as she tried to figure out who she really was and who to trust, who to love. I keep yelling at Wolf to give in and love her like he should! The characters are intriguing and so full of life! The dialogue was strongly realistic for the age of the characters.
And let’s talk about the end! (No spoilers) With how the author left me, I’m in it for the long haul for this series. I. Need. More.
Fate, here I come.
May 5, 2020
It is hard to discuss this book without giving anything away. The story is about River, a teenage girl, living her teenage life with the slight problem of always feeling like she didn’t belong and the unusual gift of seeing others light. Little did she know her world will come crashing down and she would be thrust back into her old life that she doesn’t remember.
Fairs, witches, light and dark. I mean, what more can you ask for? Some things at first upset me a bit. The swear words threw me off at first until it slowly dawned on me that my old self does not have any teenagers in her life to discover that swearing is pretty normal. Another thing that upset me was the women having to “submit” to men and they have no choice. But then the author points out to use readers that hey these are not women and these are not men... they are of another world.
This book grabbed me from the get go and The characters and the world building just kept me wanting more. Highly recommend this book!
*I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads for an honest opinion*
Fairs, witches, light and dark. I mean, what more can you ask for? Some things at first upset me a bit. The swear words threw me off at first until it slowly dawned on me that my old self does not have any teenagers in her life to discover that swearing is pretty normal. Another thing that upset me was the women having to “submit” to men and they have no choice. But then the author points out to use readers that hey these are not women and these are not men... they are of another world.
This book grabbed me from the get go and The characters and the world building just kept me wanting more. Highly recommend this book!
*I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads for an honest opinion*
dnf
April 29, 2019I got a copy of this book from the author in exhanged for an honest review.
Unfortunatly, I am DNFing it.
In this case, it isn't the book that's at fault. It is actually rather interesting if you like YA and fay.
These aren't my genres, but usually I can see past that. Not this time. My life is a mess at the moment, and I just couldn't bring myself to care about the story, world, or characters.
So I won't force my way through a book that might actually be enjoyable at another time.
Unfortunatly, I am DNFing it.
In this case, it isn't the book that's at fault. It is actually rather interesting if you like YA and fay.
These aren't my genres, but usually I can see past that. Not this time. My life is a mess at the moment, and I just couldn't bring myself to care about the story, world, or characters.
So I won't force my way through a book that might actually be enjoyable at another time.
August 13, 2019
River’s world is vibrant and colorful and you see it and FEEL it from the moment you step inside it. I loved the soul mates aspect and the way the spirits of the characters could interact and speak outside their physical voices. The side character’s were memorable and relatable. And the villain is fascinating and chilling in equal measure. I’m bad at finishing books, but I finished this one! So many feels!
December 6, 2019
I am glad I read this book, but unsure how to state how I feel. It made me uncomfortable, which in the way it is done is really amazing. I can definitely see this as a teenage girl. But the story also made me sad, because these strong females are being forced into submission because it is "the way it is", and I wanted to see River push back more (though, with her Spirit, I'm not sure that is possible?). I will definitely be reading on, but I also admit this book had me feel a lot of pain for the MC so I will need a slight break until then.
Also, it had the perfect amount of "fucks" in there.
Also, it had the perfect amount of "fucks" in there.
July 5, 2019
After reading RIVER I am eagerly awaiting Ryen Lesli’s 2nd book in the “Beginning of the End” series. I am frankly blown away that RIVER is Ms. Lesli’s debut book - it is a fantastic beginning to a series. I could not put it down and read the book from beginning to end in one sitting. The story is intriguing and keeps a great pace, the characters are well developed. She does not let the story get bogged down in the details of River’s new world, rather, she artfully weaves in the surroundings.
River is a 17 year old girl suddenly finding herself expected to be and act as an adult in her new world. Mature 16 year olds and up, adults will more than likely really enjoy this book. There are some adult relationship themes which may bear some discussion for the YA readers: the cultural precepts of “the ebb” and the ebb’s “mates for life” with regard to male and female interaction with potential mates, and possible lack of choice in pre-determination of mates, mixed with a warrior mentality. On the flip-side, these themes bring about delicious angst in the story, where the reader is dying to know what will happen. With the “coming of age” relationship angst we remember and teens know all too well, the YA and NA readers will be able to relate to these conflicts of the heart and societal expectations.
Ms. Lesli, bring on the next book, please!!
River is a 17 year old girl suddenly finding herself expected to be and act as an adult in her new world. Mature 16 year olds and up, adults will more than likely really enjoy this book. There are some adult relationship themes which may bear some discussion for the YA readers: the cultural precepts of “the ebb” and the ebb’s “mates for life” with regard to male and female interaction with potential mates, and possible lack of choice in pre-determination of mates, mixed with a warrior mentality. On the flip-side, these themes bring about delicious angst in the story, where the reader is dying to know what will happen. With the “coming of age” relationship angst we remember and teens know all too well, the YA and NA readers will be able to relate to these conflicts of the heart and societal expectations.
Ms. Lesli, bring on the next book, please!!
August 18, 2019
River begins a breathless journey into the unexpected life of a teenage girl. Discovering that neither she nor her mother are who she believed then to be thrusts River into a world both familiar and foreign. This is YA fantasy with an attitude and an edge, as well as a sense of humor. Romance, intrigue and plenty of angst abound, so if that's your cup of tea, grab this book and enjoy!
July 5, 2019
The portrayal of the title character in "River" accurately models the angst and attitude of a modern teenager. There is a stark truth in this tale that realistically mirrors the way teenage girls act, think, speak, and influence their peers in everyday life. It is refreshing to see an author not water down the behavior or thoughts of teenage girls. The story is fantastical without losing the edge of real-world familiarity.
Leslie's descriptions are detailed and vivid, providing the reader with fertile ground for the imagination. Elements of change, discovery, romance, and heartbreak are deftly used to draw the audience into River's emotional turmoil.
Overall, the plot and characters are engaging and provide a solid springboard for a continuing book series. Mysterious questions still linger about the Ebb and Flow which encourage a deeper curiosity.
I feel compelled to read the next book when it is released and explore more of this world's powers and people. I'm into the adventure of following the destiny of River herself.
Leslie's descriptions are detailed and vivid, providing the reader with fertile ground for the imagination. Elements of change, discovery, romance, and heartbreak are deftly used to draw the audience into River's emotional turmoil.
Overall, the plot and characters are engaging and provide a solid springboard for a continuing book series. Mysterious questions still linger about the Ebb and Flow which encourage a deeper curiosity.
I feel compelled to read the next book when it is released and explore more of this world's powers and people. I'm into the adventure of following the destiny of River herself.
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