River Rule is a dark fantasy which pivots on the unlikely friendship between a boy and girl from different cultural backgrounds. They are brought together by the deceit and treachery of their families.
Following the death of her mother, Una, a Manchester born teenage girl, finds herself living with her grandparents in a primitive Himalayan jungle. Her dare devil ways and non conformist attitude fail to prepare her for the powerful forces of the people and animals of the jungle. She discovers that the magical and supernatural powers of the jungle is closely entwined with the local people, her family and most worryingly with her.
Ameeta Davis lives in the Chiltern Hills in England with her husband, mother and two adult children when they aren’t at university. Her love of mythology began with her split upbringing between her parents’ Indian household of Gods, goddesses, demigods and demons and Aunty Anne’s Polish and Welsh of Grimm’s tales and Celtic stories before she was seven and lived in Manchester. Her love of mythological stories grew when at seven she was sent to a boarding school in the Indian Himalayan foothills. During the holidays she lived with her local guardians -her grandparents who lived on the edge of a jungle beyond the main town. Whist at school she began to write her own stories – stories peppered with the mythological tales told by her school ayahs. The ayahs were from the same tribe that happily sold their jungle land to her grandfather and his property development partner. With just a wall between her family and the jungle in the evenings there was much for the imagination to store and recreate years later in the River Rule Series.
River Rule is an Suspense thriller by Ameeta Davis, start from the cover I liked it lot its looking like a mere painting. Cover shows two different lands an beautiful art. Title of the novel also well justified with author's fantasy story line.
About the story, majorly story revolves around khamosh valley, After 35years Una and her father comes to India especially to khamosh valley where their grandfather house located, after that story tooks it turns Una suffers a lot hence Avi been as a rescuer and they shared unusual friendship. After her father left to Manchester will Una faces all? How she made out of it? What's the River Rule and how it affects una and her rescuer Avi? Read the novel to know further.
The plot is intriguing going with a good pace and simple vocabulary as another advantage to read. Author's imagination is beautifully portrayed through words in intresting thriller manner. But its lag with too much of characters without proper introductions. Being an lengthy novel remembering characters been little tough.
I hope in upcoming days author will hit huge success with this much plot developing skill and showing different cultural variations and minute details. I liked the conscious of author there.
Overall, River Rule is New, intriguing and intresting read.
River rule - The name of the book doesn't give any information about the book but it is unique in itself. However, titles are meant to be according to the theme of the book but even if this title is not in accordance with the book, it looks interesting.
This book is a fantasy thriller filled with suspense and twists. The main characters are Avi and Una who belongs to totally different cultures yet they became friends. The book is interesting from the start where Una discovers that the car - accident that gave her chills was just a nightmare. Then she went to her grandfather's home where on the way she finds about some robbers. Author has described Una's character as a very brave girl which I really liked. The others characters could have been described in a more detailed manner so that readers can relate to them more efficiently.
Author has used good vocabulary in the novel and the narration is really good. The cover of the book is quite plain and it could have been better, but sober is nice. I liked the uniqueness of the title of the book. This is an interesting read for thriller lovers out there.
“River Rule” written by Ameeta Davis can be categorised as a book of the fantasy genre fuelled with bits of thrilling and mysterious scenes. Definitely dark in its approach (not the kind you might be thinking though). The concept was new to me and totally different from what I have read. I have read urban fantasy books before but, this one was quite different.
The story starts off with Una boarding India with his father to visit her grandparents. Born in Manchester, England but having roots in India, Ameeta Davis have crafted the character of sixteen year old Una really well; the cultural differences were highlighted throughout the story.
I really loved the narration and the writing style. Right from the first page I got hooked to the story but somewhere in-between, I was kind of losing my focus because too much was happening. I felt that the characters could have been developed better, especially, Avi and Meeru. They needed some character background.
“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. 'Time' for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.” ― Roman Payne
‘River Rule’ is a complete pot-boiler! This novella focuses on the life of Una and her diabolical present. Set in the urban village of Uttrakhand (Khamosh Valley), the story explores the relationship shared between Una and her friend, Avi. Their bond is has a scaffolding of trust and mutual gratitude; they can count on each other and stand with each other through the thick and thin. Their never-ending quest to live safely and peacefully amidst the forest is something that inspires and also helps us recount the importance of friendship.
The story begins on a grim note as the protagonist meets with an accident only to realize that it is all a figment of her screwball imagination. But Una is not crazy, for she knows that something is not right. From the moment she enters the valley, bizarre things start happening. Moreover, when her father abandons her on the strange land, she struggles to cope with the situation. But Avi comes to her rescue and becomes her backbone.
The lucid narrative style of the author makes this an interesting read. At times, the explication becomes too long and extra descriptive. Even though the authoress has succeeded in meticulously portraying the emotional turmoil of the characters, the meek character sketch of the characters nullifies the impact. The characters appear as mere caricatures. The vocabulary is exemplary, yet I could spot minute errors (like the use of incorrect past participle of sit in this sentence- Una glanced down to where her dad was sat~ should have been seated). ‘Sat’ is used in conventional or local dialect but the standard English does not allow the use of this form of the verb.
I liked the cover. Though it is very simple, yet speaks volumes. The plot serves as a delight for the ones who like reading fantasy thrillers. The story also exposes us to some of the stereotypes and social barriers like the friendship between opposite genders and cultural boundaries that restrict a person from being mindful.
Overall, ‘River Rule’ is a refreshing story that will not only intrigue you but also keep you on the edge of your seat.
The opening chapters captured me, and the plot was very well put together. There were small details littered throughout the book that came back around later on. The writing style was difficult to get used to, it seemed as though a thesaurus was used at some points just to raise the reading level. Though it is from the perspective of a 16-17 year old girl, the vocabulary is that of a scholar.
Book Name (with subtitle): River Rule (She’d broken all the Valley Rules. Except for one.) Authoress Name: Ameeta Davis Format: Kindle No of Pages- 257 Publisher: Ameeta Davis (UK, 2017) Blurb: The jungle is closing in. First it sends a welcoming party of parakeets. Next, a garland of disembodied chicken parts. Finally the tribesmen and their spears arrive demanding human trades of Avi and Una, the property developer’s firstborn grandchildren. Twice before, the jungle tried to take Una when she took risks. Twice Avi foiled their attempts. This time he’s not there — yet she can feel him somewhere near.
River Rule is a dark, urban fantasy, which pivots precariously on the friendship between a boy and girl from different cultural backgrounds. It deals with deceit and treachery, but it shows that, even when familial unconditional love is withdrawn, strength and kindness can be found elsewhere – even in a jungle. Cover: The front of cover of the book is not only uniquely designed but the eye catching piece of art is enough to make any reader curious about the book. Impressive piece of work done here by Amanda Carroll of Studio Beam & Natasha as well (for the concept art). Title: Title (along with the subtitle) of the book is catchy & intriguing indeed. I must say that I was not able to figure out what was the title trying to convey at first, and that made me pick this book up, to know what actually the river rule is. As it is depicting the substance of the book, hence I consider this appropriate. Language & narration: Language of the book is enriched with classic words and with lucid coating. The choices of words used in the entire book, made me amazed, because, as an individual learner, I every time appreciate whenever I go to learn new words or its uses, and this time, with this book, my stock of vocabulary reached another level and I’m thankful to the authoress for that. Important words are written in inverted coma (‘) to make them noticeable. Other languages except English (such as Hindi) have been written in italic font and of course with meanings given beside. Narration of the story is heavy, highly rich, and I can say the one of the finest gripping narrating style that I have ever gone through. The intriguing narrating style of the authoress made the plot more compact that there is not a single place in the entire book where I found lack of grip or keen interest. Each & every twists & turns have been presented exact the point it needed the most and the process of revelation stage by stage made the suspense level reach a higher level indeed. Plot: The plot has been crafted extremely thoughtfully & it is based on such a unique topic that left me to wonder about (actually, I have not read recently a particular book that is highlighting morphing with this much detail). To keep the flow of the story intact and higher, there are several sub plots intertwined with each other and after reaching the end of the book (for this time being), one can realize the worth of them. Setting: The story has set in near a wretched valley (Khamosh Valley) in the new state of Uttarakhand, an urban territory (vast land covered with the ‘river’ and deep jungle area), tribal base (Himalayan). Later with the story progress, mention of Manchester – England, Delhi & Dehradun too can be seen in the book. Characterization: The characters in the story have been portrayed with most possible detail given and with crystal clear significance. Whether it’s the protagonists (Una & Avatar aka ‘Avi’) or any other character, all of them are being given the same importance while presenting and each of the characters has been justified with their respective roles accordingly. Name of the characters mentioned in the book are- Una, Luke, Charlotte aka ‘Charlie’, Inspector Rao, Subridar Mehra, Vivek, Dev, Avatar aka ‘Avi’, Meeru, Gagan aka ‘Gag’, Jay, Major, Gopan aka ‘Johnnie Walker’, Chaz, Arjun, Rosetta aka ‘Crazy’, Riki, Niki, Sharman, Sid Rao, Warwick aka ‘Tawny’ aka ‘Wolf’, Agnes, Grace, Dr. Verma, Alice, Sheila (Mrs. Rao), Kawa (jungle crow), Tommy (dog). Theme: Urban fantasy, Suspense thriller, mystery, friendship. Story in a nutshell: Story revolves around a wretched valley (named Khamosh Valley) in an urban territory, deeply covered with vast jungle area with tribal existence and precisely a significant river (not any normal one) that barricades the ‘creatures’ of the jungle to stay their side and to keep ‘Others’ safe at their located land. Una was a teenager (16 years) who came to India from Manchester, England to visit her grandfather’s house with her father. Since the 1st day of arrival, things were not normal with Una (at least her ‘dreams’ weren’t implanting so). After reaching there, she got to know things she couldn’t even imagine about. Curfew after sunset was the regular and most traumatic incidents happening there. No one was allowed to even open the gate after curfew, besides the crying howl of lone wolf at night made her night sleepless. But, destiny made her face Avi there, who befriended with Una instantly (in spite of being a introvert & reserved boy by nature) and soon their bonding became more strong. Avi’s grandfather Major & Una’s grandfather Dev were the property owners & developers of the other side of the urban territory jungle area. Both of Avi & Una were the firstborn grandchildren of their respective families. Things were not easy with Avi’s side also. Because the ‘prophecy’ of the tribe’s will definitely gonna change both the lives of Una & Avi. As soon as Una realized that her father left her there and returned to home, she got shattered, she couldn’t take it. On the other side, Avi became her strength & support. Avi was trying to make Una familiar with the ‘river rule’ to survive in the jungle and in this process something happened that brought some serious changes in both of their lives. Avi was not the simple person as Una thought before. Una got the biggest shock of life when the tribesmen, Sharman met her grandfather and asked about the “payment” as per the “rule” of the jungle, and after that conversation, her life did not remain the same… What happened to Una & Avi after that? Where was Avi heading into? Why had Una’s father Vivek left her there and returned without informing? What was the reason that he visited India (that too with his daughter) after spending 35 years in Manchester? Why curfew is on after sunset every day? What was the ‘dreams’ of Una signifying to? What was the actual truth about the ‘Creatures’ of the wretched ‘Khamosh Valley’? Will Avi & Una be able to face that was predestined to them? What “Payment” that Sharman was talking about? What was the “Payment” actually? What was the “prophecy” of the Tribes? What was the ‘river rule’? To get these answers, just pick this book up and go through the pages by yourself. My Verdict: Authoress Ameeta Davis has penned down this story with beautiful touch of classic art. She has set the level of thrill into peak with every page of this book. Not only thrill, but she touched the chord of emotions with the finest string of the heart. The scenes have been portrayed so connectively that I was like visualizing those transformations in front of my eyes. The plot has captured me from the beginning and how she presented the twists between different phases kept me hooked with the book till the end. The ‘morph’ portion of Una, it was…breathtaking actually.. Not only that, the way Avi saved Una, and most heart piercing was the sacrifice of Rosetta..for her own son..that moment was..coated with thrill and emotions. The end of Meeru was something I didn’t expect at all.. The bonding of Avi & Una, showed different color of friendship. The most vital character (in my opinion) probably the “Wolf” himself.. Every chapter has a new twist to offer, and that made the book a fast read indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I’ll definitely be looking forward eagerly to the ‘continued’ part (“Broken Rule”) of this book. . Recommendation: I would love to recommend this book to every fantasy lovers, thriller enthusiasts, and everyone who are fond of a classic suspense read. It’s definite & time worthy read I can say. Thank you. Rating (Overall): 5/5 Stars.
“She’d broken all the Valley Rules. Except for one. River Rule.”
Is it possible for two people from different cultures to develop a strong bond of friendship? Life is full of hurdles and so there were a lot of hurdles in the lives of Avi and Una. They both had a different point of view yet they shared a bond of friendship. River Rule by Ameeta Davis is a fantasy thriller filled with suspense. The story initiates in a very suspenseful manner in which Una deals with a car accident and realizes it was a bad dream but on the way to her grandfather’s house she gets terrified by the news she hears on the way about robbery and murders by a driver. The beginning of the story gave me goosebumps of thrill and fear. The story was supported by heavy vocabulary. It was not only a thrilling story but was also filled with a bit of humor especially when Dev and Una reach Una’s grandfather’s house and he refuses to open the gate. The characterization was, however, a little weak. When Avi and Meeru’s part comes in the story at the beginning it was a bit difficult to connect with the story as they were not introduced well. I liked the character of Una as a very courageous girl. The title of the book is very unique and apt to the theme of the story. The cover is not much attractive and could have been better. However, don’t judge the book by its cover as the story is very thrilling and addictive. The presentation was perfect. Overall, it was a very addictive read. I would recommend this book to all those who are into reading fantasy thrillers.
Book Title: River Rule Author: Ameeta Davis Format: Kindle Number of pages : 301 Sold by: Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited Publishing Date: 1st Nov 2017 Printed Price: INR 199 ASIN: B077LSSXCL
Book Title: The title of the book 'River Rule' is new and fascinating yet the it doesn't give any idea about the story.
Book Cover : The book cover is simple and sober. The single eye and the light colors create an interest to read.
Plot: The plot of the story is a new form of fantasy thriller. The story line is new and different. It stands in the category of fantasy suspense thriller with some different aspects of mankind attached. Though the story line starts at a new level, the plot could have been more stronger as the story progresses.
The story highlights about varied practices that are held in different cultures across continents. In the book, the main characters belong to different regions of the world. The cross cultural things that come together in story at some point with attached problems and issues makes the book interesting.
Characters: The characters are very good but could have been plotted more strongly.
Narration: The narration is good and new.
Language and Vocabulary: The simple language and easy grammar is used.
My Final Verdict—. A good read for a fantasy thriller lovers!
Book title: 3/5 Book Cover: 3.5/5 Plot: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Narration: 3/5 Language and Vocabulary: 3/5 I personally rate the book 4 out of 5
Paranormal romance is the new normal. The Twilight series threw up many followers. This book is one of those.
There is a girl named Una who comes to India with her father they go to a spooky place called Khamosh Valley. There all kinds of weird things happen. On the way she has premonition that her driver died and they somehow escaped. When they reach their grandfather doesn’t open the gates and they have to climb over the boundary wall. There she meets Avi. There is some mumbo jumbo about tribals and their land rights. Then humans become beast and then I lost rack.
The book is very contorted and confused. I could not make out head or tail of it. There is zero character development and no clear motives of anyone. Dev and Major are most confused characters. Una and Avi are irritating. Totally disappointing.
REVIEW OF THE BOOK- Set in the villages of Uttarakhand, River rule gives us a different aspect of what friendship is. When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares. The characterization of Una was beautifully crafted with context to the theme. It brings out the feeling of love keeping friendship in the backdrop. The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them. Avi also plays a pivotal role in driving the plot of the novel as he introduces the concept of bonding and the feeling of togetherness. They had battled and bloodied one another, they had kept secrets, broken hearts, lied, betrayed, exiled, they had walked away, said goodbye and sworn it was forever, and somehow, every time, they had mended, they had forgiven, they had survived. Some mistakes could never be fixed - some, but not all. Some people can't be driven away, no matter how hard you try. Some friendships won't break. It is not the dead rather the ones who lives through war have seen the dreadful end of the war, you might have been victorious, unwounded but deep within you, you carry the mark of the war, you carry the memories of war, the time you have spend with your comrades, the times when you had to dug in to foxholes to avoid shelling, the times when you hate to see your comrade down on the ground, feeling of despair, atrocities of the war, missing families, home. They live through hell and often the most wounded, they live with the guilt, despair, of being in the war, they may be happy but deep down they are a different person. Not everyone is a hero. You live with the moments, time when you were unsuccessful, when your actions would have helped your comrades, when your actions get your comrades killed, you live with regret, joyous in the victory can never help you forget the time you have spent. You are victorious for the people you have lost, the decisions you have made, the courage you have shown but being victorious in the war has a price to pay, irrevocable.
You can't take a memory back from a person, even if you lose your memory your imagination haunts you as deep down your sub conscious mind you know who you are, who you were. Close you eyes and you can very well see your past, you cant change your past, time you have spent, you live through all and hence you are a hero not for the glorious war for the times you have faced. Decoration with medals is not going to give your life back. the more you know, more experiences doesn't make it easy rather make its worse. Arms and ammunition kills you once and free you from the misery but the experiences of war kills you everyday, makes you cherish the times everyday through the life. You may forgot that you cant walk anymore, you may forget you cant use your right hand, you may forgot the scars on your face but you can never forgot war. Life without war is never easy and only the ones how survived through it can understand. Soldiers are taught to fight but the actual combat starts after war which you are not even trained for. You rely on your weapon, leaders, comrades, god, luck in the war but here you rely on your self to beat the horrors, they have seen hell, heaven, they have felt the mixed emotions of hope, despair, courage, victory, defeat, scared.
I enjoyed the novel not because I love reading romantic genre but because this book brings out a different version of love. This book proves that If you promise to love, trust, respect, support and stand by someone no matter what, do not just speak those words when times are good. Live those words when challenges arise. The stronger the love and commitment, the more unbreakable the bond. United hearts will never be easily divided.
. RATINGS- Overall I would like to rate the book 42 on a scale of 50. 4 stars out of 5 1. Originality of the plot and sub plots- 8/10 2. Net emotions in the story- 8/10 3. Usage of words and phrases-9/10 4. The title, cover and the illustration-9/10 5. The net impact on the readers- 8/10 KUDOS TO Ameeta Davis
Una visits her paternal grandfather's abode along with her father in Khamosh valley. Meanwhile, a series of murders and rapes committed by an anonymous taxi driver rocks the valley. After reaching her grandfather's home, she encounters Meeru and Avi. Avi is attracted to Una at first sight and they strike an unusual friendship.
Things become complicated for both Una and Avi due to the tribal prophecy. Una's problems are escalated when her father leaves her alone and returns to Manchester. Avi stands by her during this tumultuous time.
What is the mystery behind the river rule? How does it affect the lives of Avi and Una? Read the book to find out.
The story is interspersed with themes such as cross-culture problems and societal taboos. The plot is unique unlike the conventional ones. As the story proceeds, it gets intriguing with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. The description of the dense forest area where the story is centred is powerful, making the images appear in your mind. Special mention goes to the language and vocabulary which is quite rich in the book.
The character sketches are hazy and the characters appear as cardboard cutouts. Moreover there are many characters, and due to weak character development, you tend to jumble up the names. If the back story behind some characters were specified, then it would have been relatively easier for the readers to comprehend their mannerisms and motives. The author has also unnecessarily complicated the plot.
River Rule is a dark, urban fantasy thriller which pivots precariously on the friendship between a boy and girl from different cultural backgrounds. It deals with deceit and treachery, but it shows that, even when familial unconditional love is withdrawn, strength and kindness can be found elsewhere even in a jungle. River rule is a story of a girl named Una who comes to her grandfather's home in Uttrakhand,where she feels many uneven incidents happen with her. Una has to face many hurdles and problems in her life in which her friend Avi supports and accompanies her. The book is full of suspense,fear and thriller which keeps readers glued to the book. Beginning of the story is mysterious itself in which Una has to face a car accident but soon she realizes it is a nightmare and the story leads in a suspenseful manner which makes the book unputdownable. Book is enriched with nice vocabularies and the title of the book is unique. Title of the book is average,it could have been better according to this amazing thriler. Overall book is a good read. SHE HAD BROKEN ALL THE VALLEY RULES,EXCEPT FOR ONE...RIVER RULE !!
“She’d broken all the Valley Rules.. except for one… RIVER RULE!
Th artistic and alluring cover design and the intriguing blurb and the tag-lines… piques great interest from the readers and you can’t help but grab a copy and dig in and that itself is a major plus point for a book.
RIVER RULE takes you along to meet Una, her normal life Manchester took a grave turn as she landed in India followed by her mother’s death. There she finds herself as well the truth of the jungle which leads to further awakening and uncovering of some forgotten mysteries. River Rule is fantasy fiction, the story of Avi and Una; two very different lives, like fire and ice!
It is indeed a challenge as an author to create a world based on imagination, an alter-world maybe… that can reach the audience with the same or more level of surprise/adoration or understanding as intended by… and here I could say the author pretty much pulled it off well and good. And the point that the plot is weaved on suspense and mystery is all the more cherry on the top.
River Rule is a different kind of Book from all other books available in the market. Starting with the cover it has been designed amazingly. The blurb of the book just added the cherry to the cake. The blurb had that full energy to force one to turn the pages as soon as possible. The author chose a totally different concept. She very well knew how to maintain the interest of the readers. The starting of the book with accident made me a bit sad. But then after a few pages, the eyes remained opened and totally glued to each line of the book. The book holds the story of Una and Avi. It is not a just random story of friendship but has many secrets within each chapter. Never at a single point did I feel a bit bored with the book. The author has used very simple language. This book should be read by every age group. Overall, I completely enjoyed this beautiful book and unique friendship of Una and Avi.
The blurb of River Rule is quite intriguing and promised to be an interesting read. The book started well and managed to intrigue for a couple of pages. However, after a certain point of time the story lost its track. To make the book interesting, the author seemed to add some confusing twists that made it a bit complex. The plot seemed unique but the execution somehow didn’t match it. The character development is also not done well. The author could have devoted some more pages to build the characters. The narration style is lucid and nice. The cover of the book is very simple and doesn’t seem appealing enough to catch the attention of prospective readers with a glance. It could have been better. The title is catchy and apt. Overall, River Rule is an okay kind of read which might interest the thriller lovers. For me, it was an average read.
Starting off with the cover it is simple but definitely a cover you will like. The blurb is really interesting and gets you to read the book immediately. The title gives you an idea of the book being a little about ancient or related to the tribes. The vocabulary is good and you will get to learn many new words too. The characterization is alright. The book consists of the friendship between avi and una who have to deal with alot hurdles as they are from different cultures. It is a fantasy thriller consisting of many twists and suspense. The beginning of the book makes you sad and then the story keeps on flowing.
Interesting tale involving a pact made by a girl's family which will change her life forever. This book also could be considered a young love/ coming of age book with a twist. Although I was able to figure out somethings before the author revealed them, I did not completely expect the way the book ended up going. I will definitely read the next book in the series to find out what happens to Una and Avi. I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
Finished reading River Rule ! What an amazing engrossing story teller Ameeta is ! Amy you are Una or is Una you ! Is the metamorphosis complete or can Una and Avi still live a city life like Clark Kent and Lois Lane ...I am picturing that romance and am so a YA reader cant wait for Broken Rule !!! I can so see this amazing book in film it will be nothing short of riveting !
I loved the narration style, and the odd typo - at least I assume 'flumes' is a typo for 'plumes' - made it feel more authentic and only increased my enjoyment.
Throughout the story, however, I did not have a clear image in my head of any of the characters and I found the some of the plot twists more than a little confusing. Despite this, it was a story I had to finish.
The jungle is closing in. First it sends a welcoming party of parakeets. Next, a garland of disembodied chicken parts. Finally the tribesmen and their spears arrive demanding human trades of Avi and Una, the property developer’s firstborn grandchildren. Twice before, the jungle tried to take Una when she took risks. Twice Avi foiled their attempts. This time he’s not there — yet she can feel him somewhere near.
River Rule is a dark, urban fantasy, which pivots precariously on the friendship between a boy and girl from different cultural backgrounds. It deals with deceit and treachery, but it shows that, even when familial unconditional love is withdrawn, strength and kindness can be found elsewhere – even in a jungle.
Review-
River, this single word brings too many thoughts like purity, smooth etc. Just like this single word this book is penned down with pure feelings of honesty, friendship, no differentiation of various factors before falling in love. This story is specially written for the fantasy thrill readers and as this was my first fantasy thriller so took a little more time and once I understood it completely, it was like one of the best experience of imagining the story. A well designed plot with good twists and well maintained suspenses. The cover could have been much better but still carries a deep meaning in itself. Felt a bit boring at parts where small parts were written down in descriptive manner. Usage of lucid language makes it a little interesting read. A descent story one can read. Would love to see more improved future work by Author.
Grab this amazing book and enjoy a beautiful descent read for the day.
River rule - This book is built on the life stories of Avi and Una, who are poles apart in their lifestyle but are united by friendship. It further deals with the struggles Una undergoes when she returns to her grandfather's home and the stories of robbery and murders start affecting Una more deeply. When she was left helpless, Avi extends her helping hand to Una and they build a strong friendship with each other. Further, the book deals with how Avi and Una are embroiled and how they together overcome the struggles laid by the river rules.
The storyline of the book holds it high from the other usual stories and it very well deals with the cultural problems and how people are suffering from it since ages. The author has narrated exceptionally with lucid language and simple words. But the characterisation could have been better as some of the characters aren't explained well which hinders the coherence of the book. The author deserves applause for neatly weaving the story with twists and thrills at unexpected times.
The cover page gives a deep explanation about the plot of the story but it can only be deciphered after reading the book. The subtitle builds more interest in the readers and the intriguing blurb makes anyone to pick the book.
River Rule is Contemporary/Fantasy fiction written by Ameeta Davis where author serves us intriguing plot with amazing storytelling skills. This book is one of the brilliant thriller i have read by an Indian Author.
Book Title and Cover- Book Title is interesting and creates curiosity about it. Cover is alluring and appropriate. Blurb is interesting and attracts readers to pick up the book. Overall, First Impression of this book demands attention of readers.
Language and Narration- Language used by Ameeta is simple yet attractive. Narrating style is commendable and author ends each chapter at such point that readers are forced to turn page after page.
Theme- Theme of this book is varies between Fantasy, Suspense, Love etc. I liked the way author directly came to the main point without wasting time in unnecessary descriptions.
Characterization- Ameeta skillfully writes about her characters and readers can feel the emotion of characters and story through her words. Each character is justified properly.
Storyline and Plot- Plot is unique with detailed description of each and every situation which glue readers with the story. As said earlier, story picks the pace from the first page and readers enjoy every page filled with mystery, suspense and excitement to reveal the truth.
RATINGS- Book Title and Cover- 4/5 Language and Narration- 3/5 Characterization- 4/5 Storyline and Plot- 3.5/5
Final Rating- 3/5
Overall, River Rule is Multi genre fiction which is perfect blend of Fantasy, Suspense and amazing story telling skills which i am sure will entertain readers.
Blurb - River Rule is a dark, urban fantasy, which pivots precariously on the friendship between a boy and girl from different cultural backgrounds. It deals with deceit and treachery, but it shows that, even when familial unconditional love is withdrawn, strength and kindness can be found elsewhere – even in a jungle
Review - River Rule is a Contemporary fiction novel filled with mystery and suspense by Ameeta Davis. Really ! Is it possible for two people from different cultural backgrounds to develop a strong bond of friendship? But this book makes it possible and here we witnessed friendship between two different cultures.
River Rule's Story revolves around a Khamosh Valley in an urban territory, deeply covered with vast jungle area with tribal existence and precisely a significant river. That barricades the ‘creatures’ of the jungle to stay their side and to keep Others safe at their located land.
After 35years 16 years teenager old "Una" came to India from Manchester, England with her father to visit her grandfather’s house. Here we can see the cultural differences between England and India through Una which I loved most.
Since the day 1st of her arrival, things were not normal with Una. After reaching there, she got to know things she couldn’t even imagine about. Curfew after sunset was the regular and Meanwhile, a series of rapes and murders committed by an anonymous taxi driver rocks the valley. No one was allowed to even open the gate after curfew, crying howl of lone wolf at night made her night sleepless.
But, destiny introduce her Avi there, who became friend with Una instantly. Very soon their bonding became more strong. Avi’s grandfather Major & Una’s grandfather Dev were the property owners & developers of the other side of the urban territory jungle area.
Things were not easy with Avi’s side also. Because the ethnic group of the tribe’s will definitely gonna change both's lives. As soon as Una realized that her father left her there and returned to home, she got shattered, she couldn’t take it.
On the other side, Avi became her strength & support. Avi was trying to make Una familiar with the ‘river rule’ to survive in the jungle and in this process something happened that brought some serious changes in both of their lives.
Avi was not the simple person as Una thought before. Una got the biggest shock of life when the tribesmen, Sharman met her grandfather and asked about the payment as per the rule of the jungle, and after that conversation, her life did not remain the same…
What happened to Una & Avi ? Why had Una’s father left her and returned without informing her ? Why there is curfew after sunset every day? What happened next in story? What was the ‘river rule’?
To get all the answers, just go and grab this book and reveal the story yourself.
Book Title and Cover- Title is intriguing creates curiosity about the story and catchy too. I was not able to figure out what was the story about after reading the title.Cover is uniquely designed and the eye catching piece of art.
Language and Narration- Language of the book is enriched with classic words. Thats why my stock of vocabulary reached another level. Narration is impressive and it hooked me with the book.It's highly rich, or I can say its one of the finest gripping narrating style that I have ever read. Author ends each chapter at such a high level that readers are forced to read what will happen next .
Characterization- The characters portrayed with most possible detail and with crystal clear significance. Readers can feel the emotion of characters through her words.
Storyline and Plot- Author skillfully write characters and readers can feel the emotions of each of them and same goes with story too. Each character is justified properly. Story filled with full of suspense ,mystery, and excitement to reveal the truth. Author has given detailed description of everything which is plus point and helps readers to have pictorial story running in their mind.
Ratings-
Book Title and Cover- 4/5
Language and Narration- 4.5/5
Characterization- 4/5
Storyline and Plot- 4/5 Final Rating- 4/5
“She’d broken all the Valley Rules. Except for one. River Rule.”
All in all, River Rule delivers you fantastic story and keeps you glued with the book.I’ll definitely be looking forward eagerly to the second part of this book which is “Broken Rule”. .
I would recommend this book to every thriller enthusiasts,fantasy lovers, and every book lover. For me its a great read. ~ Yogiraj Gaigole Patil