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Mia arrives at a small town by the river, carrying a secret. Her new neighbors, the Stonebrooks, immediately draw her interest. Soon, she meets brothers Alex and Jay. Mia is attracted to Alex, the older handsome brother. They begin dating, but Mia remains guarded, hiding behind an invisible barrier. She also befriends Jay, the gentle dreamer, who spends most of his time at the river, with his mysterious friend, Alina. As the three teens spend more and more time together, strange things start to happen.
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
251 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 19, 2016
Una historia LIJ muy distinta a lo que he venido leyendo últimamente, en especial si me refiero a aquella literatura más comercial. Aunque lo leí por una recomendación muy entusiasmada y casi me spoileo la historia, lo cierto es que conforme iba avanzando páginas no podía soltarlo y no me esperaba que se fuera por esos caminos.
En resumen, me gustó y creo que me gustó más de lo que esperaba, incluso el final está justo.
En resumen, me gustó y creo que me gustó más de lo que esperaba, incluso el final está justo.
May 23, 2014
"Atmosphärisch dicht und atemlos spannend erzählt Marlene Röter eine Geschichte von Schmerz, Schuld und Tod .... und einer grossen Liebe"
Diese Geschichte war eine echte Überraschung.
Zum Inhalt: Mia zieht mit ihren Eltern auf's Land, an ihr Haus grenzt ein Fluss mit dunklen Geheimnissen und Mystik. Ihre Nachbarn sind zwei sehr unterschiedliche Brüder, mit denen sie mehr als nur Freundschaft verbindet.
Die Sprache und Erzählweise sind sehr sanft, und subtil- so schleicht sich die Erzählung langsam ins Herz.
Die Art und Weise, in der die Autorin Gefühle in Worte fasst, ist so schön:
"Da ist die Musik...Du blickst auf die Klanglandschaften hinunter, die vor dir ausgebreitet liegen und erkennst, dass es die Landschaften in deinem Inneren sind" (Mia beim Cello spielen, dass Cello nennt Jan übrigens "tönendes Herz")
Manchmal hätte ich mir noch mehr Details und Tiefe gewünscht, aber es ist nun mal ein Jugendbuch, deshalb 4 Sterne.
Diese Geschichte war eine echte Überraschung.
Zum Inhalt: Mia zieht mit ihren Eltern auf's Land, an ihr Haus grenzt ein Fluss mit dunklen Geheimnissen und Mystik. Ihre Nachbarn sind zwei sehr unterschiedliche Brüder, mit denen sie mehr als nur Freundschaft verbindet.
Die Sprache und Erzählweise sind sehr sanft, und subtil- so schleicht sich die Erzählung langsam ins Herz.
Die Art und Weise, in der die Autorin Gefühle in Worte fasst, ist so schön:
"Da ist die Musik...Du blickst auf die Klanglandschaften hinunter, die vor dir ausgebreitet liegen und erkennst, dass es die Landschaften in deinem Inneren sind" (Mia beim Cello spielen, dass Cello nennt Jan übrigens "tönendes Herz")
Manchmal hätte ich mir noch mehr Details und Tiefe gewünscht, aber es ist nun mal ein Jugendbuch, deshalb 4 Sterne.
June 19, 2020
I thought way more could have been in this book. It did have some exciting parts but other than that it’s a no for me
March 1, 2018
Bis zur Hälfte des Buches hat mir leider die Handlung gefehlt. Auch die Charaktere waren bis auf die drei Protagonisten wenig ausgebaut, was ich schade fand weil man wenig über Mias Eltern erfahren hat oder über ihre Zeit auf der neuen Schule. Klar ist all dies eher nebensächlich und hat wenig mit der Thematik des Buches zu tun, aber meiner Meinung nach hätte es dem Buch eine alltäglichere Komponente geschenkt.
Besonders befristete war ich von dem Schreibstil, der an manchen Stellen sehr poetisch war, was perfekt mit der Sichtweise von Jan harmoniert hat.
Die "gruseligen" Elemente haben dem Buch eine tolle Atmosphäre gegeben und die Spannung aufrecht erhalten.
Schade fand ich, dass einige Aspekte am Ende nicht aufgeklärt wurden und der Leser sich Antworten auf Fragen selber zusammenreimen muss.
Alles in allem ein gutes Buch für zwischendurch, das durch einen poetischen Schreibstil und bewegende Thematiken beeindrucken kann. 3,5 Sterne
Besonders befristete war ich von dem Schreibstil, der an manchen Stellen sehr poetisch war, was perfekt mit der Sichtweise von Jan harmoniert hat.
Die "gruseligen" Elemente haben dem Buch eine tolle Atmosphäre gegeben und die Spannung aufrecht erhalten.
Schade fand ich, dass einige Aspekte am Ende nicht aufgeklärt wurden und der Leser sich Antworten auf Fragen selber zusammenreimen muss.
Alles in allem ein gutes Buch für zwischendurch, das durch einen poetischen Schreibstil und bewegende Thematiken beeindrucken kann. 3,5 Sterne
September 24, 2021
Secreto en el río es un libro que se puede leer fácilmente, tiene algunas situaciones de suspenso sin embargo consideramos que no son trascendentales, es un libro con unos personajes con gran potencial sin embargo, algunos de ellos no logran ser desarrollados en su totalidad de la mejor manera. El libro está relatado por los tres personajes principales, lo que nos ayuda a ver sus perspectivas aunque en algunas situaciones es algo superficial. Es una historia que te entretiene bastante con situaciones cotidianas y un toque moderado de ficción. El final es un poco controversial a nuestro parecer pues intenta justificar ciertas acciones que conocerán si leen el libro, sin embargo es un libro que por ser ligero puede ayudarlos a salir de un bloqueo.
February 26, 2025
Me gustó.
Algo corto de leer.
Fácil y rápido
Y lo más importante. Con una trama interesante.
Todo el misterio del río y de los vecinos estuvo nice, tranqui.
Todo el giro de trama y como esta se conecta con el final fue lo más disfrutable.
Lo único que me disgusto fue la relación de Mia y Alex. Ni les sentí ni pizca de química, la sentí más con Jan, y eso que es un personaje peculiar. Pero en si, Alex me cayó mal. Arrogante y fastidioso.
Eso y que habían diálogos muy...tipo poemas. No se como describirlo. Pero si me sacaron de onda cuando leía esas reflexiones tan "filosoficas"? Digo, estas leyendo el plot twist y te salen con frases que nada que ver.
En fin. La compra en descuento valió la pena.
Algo corto de leer.
Fácil y rápido
Y lo más importante. Con una trama interesante.
Todo el misterio del río y de los vecinos estuvo nice, tranqui.
Todo el giro de trama y como esta se conecta con el final fue lo más disfrutable.
Lo único que me disgusto fue la relación de Mia y Alex. Ni les sentí ni pizca de química, la sentí más con Jan, y eso que es un personaje peculiar. Pero en si, Alex me cayó mal. Arrogante y fastidioso.
Eso y que habían diálogos muy...tipo poemas. No se como describirlo. Pero si me sacaron de onda cuando leía esas reflexiones tan "filosoficas"? Digo, estas leyendo el plot twist y te salen con frases que nada que ver.
En fin. La compra en descuento valió la pena.
January 14, 2024
Es un libro rápido de leer, el inicio es demasiado clichesudo, la chica de ciudad que va al pueblo y tiene cara de puño que conoce al popular, también se forma un triángulo amoroso bobo entre dos hermanos unidos con ella, pero con el tiempo la cosa va yendo para otro tema, una historia externa muy intrigante, la de la madre de los hermanos y una entidad en el río que parece tener una fascinación con la familia de los chicos y con Mia.
Mia me estresó un poco con su inmadurez, pero al final nos cuentan mejor su historia y encontré una justificación para su comportamiento.
No es wow, pero estuvo entretenido.
Mia me estresó un poco con su inmadurez, pero al final nos cuentan mejor su historia y encontré una justificación para su comportamiento.
No es wow, pero estuvo entretenido.
September 5, 2021
Siendo sincera, tenía altas expectativas con este libro, lo disfruté , si, pero esperaba mucho más.
La sinopsis promete mucho, pero el libro ofrece poco.
Aunque no todo fue malo, fue un libro entretenido, los personajes en mi opinión estuvieron bien elaborados, aunque me hubiera gustado haber sabido más a profundidad sobre ellos.
También tiene varios diálogos innecesarios y solo en las ultimas 50 páginas es donde empieza la acción.
Lo que si, es que el final me dejo sorprendida, no lo vi venir, sinceramente fue la mejor parte de todo el libro.
La sinopsis promete mucho, pero el libro ofrece poco.
Aunque no todo fue malo, fue un libro entretenido, los personajes en mi opinión estuvieron bien elaborados, aunque me hubiera gustado haber sabido más a profundidad sobre ellos.
También tiene varios diálogos innecesarios y solo en las ultimas 50 páginas es donde empieza la acción.
Lo que si, es que el final me dejo sorprendida, no lo vi venir, sinceramente fue la mejor parte de todo el libro.
January 28, 2020
En realidad es un 4.5 siento que en todo momento me entretuvo solo que me falto un final mas redondo, mas sin embargo me lo leí en cosa de 2, 3 días, super rápido es muy fácil de entender y de trama muy interesante, que de verdad, desde el primer momento en que lo leí me quedé enganchada, no entiendo las personas que dan puntajes tan bajos como 3 o 2🤔 si en verdad a mi me fascinó 🤩 pero bueno como dicen por ahí para gustos los colores ❤️
January 3, 2021
Es un libro interesante me gusto mucho por la ambientación, los personajes y el misterio del libro es donde te mantenía enganchada y necesitabas saber que iba a pasar, un libro juvenil que se lo recomendaría a cualquier persona que le guste la literatura juvenil
January 3, 2025
lo leí gracias al colegio, la protagonista se cree la "única y diferente" es una chica "misteriosa" no sé, no sé no me gustó
April 26, 2025
me encanta su amor con la protagonista 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
En general es un libro muy aburrido, las primeras cien páginas fueron una introducción muy pesada y considero un desenlace muy predecible.
August 17, 2025
This is great for teenagers!!
January 12, 2015
I won this book through Goodreads First-Reads.
I will say this about the story. With the girl on the cover and the character from the introduction who is drowning I assumed it was a specific character, and I was wrong.
This story had so much potential to be a thriller/mystery, but instead it was a young adult drama lacking so much depth. I liked the fact that the story was told through each of the characters: Mia, Jay, and his older brother Alex; it made the events that much easier to understand.
What I didn't like is the inconsistency of the story. Jay is described as a "gentle dreamer" and yet, he is picked on because he acts like an idiot. His brother referred to him as a "nutcase" and, unfortunately, that set the tone of Jay's character for me. Everything he did, I felt, was done by someone who wasn't right in the head. There were many circumstances when he acted a little off. For example, when Alex confronted Jay about kissing Mia. What kind of guy would admit to his brother's face without any hint of emotion that he kissed his girlfriend? Not a gentle dreamer, but someone completely devoid of any sense of reality, or someone who is maliciously evil. I was thinking of Jay as Lennie Small from "Of Mice and Men" the entire time I read this book.
Another inconsistency is that Katarina, the mother of Jay and Alex, drowned, but the author doesn't really explain why she was such a malevolent force. She makes a Voodoo doll to depict a young girl she doesn't know, kills a stray dog, stains the kitchen wall with accusation, and breaks the neck of a bird, and ultimately tries to drown her son! Why? She hates Mia. Why? Because she is lonely and wants her children?
There was just so much detail missing in this book. Most of it was character development. At one point someone is drowning in the river, someone is creeping around the houses, breaking things, killing things, and then Mia is explaining that she was used and abused by her jerk of a boyfriend. It was such a huge jump, really.
I will say this about the story. With the girl on the cover and the character from the introduction who is drowning I assumed it was a specific character, and I was wrong.
This story had so much potential to be a thriller/mystery, but instead it was a young adult drama lacking so much depth. I liked the fact that the story was told through each of the characters: Mia, Jay, and his older brother Alex; it made the events that much easier to understand.
What I didn't like is the inconsistency of the story. Jay is described as a "gentle dreamer" and yet, he is picked on because he acts like an idiot. His brother referred to him as a "nutcase" and, unfortunately, that set the tone of Jay's character for me. Everything he did, I felt, was done by someone who wasn't right in the head. There were many circumstances when he acted a little off. For example, when Alex confronted Jay about kissing Mia. What kind of guy would admit to his brother's face without any hint of emotion that he kissed his girlfriend? Not a gentle dreamer, but someone completely devoid of any sense of reality, or someone who is maliciously evil. I was thinking of Jay as Lennie Small from "Of Mice and Men" the entire time I read this book.
Another inconsistency is that Katarina, the mother of Jay and Alex, drowned, but the author doesn't really explain why she was such a malevolent force. She makes a Voodoo doll to depict a young girl she doesn't know, kills a stray dog, stains the kitchen wall with accusation, and breaks the neck of a bird, and ultimately tries to drown her son! Why? She hates Mia. Why? Because she is lonely and wants her children?
There was just so much detail missing in this book. Most of it was character development. At one point someone is drowning in the river, someone is creeping around the houses, breaking things, killing things, and then Mia is explaining that she was used and abused by her jerk of a boyfriend. It was such a huge jump, really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2014
I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.
Okay, this review is going to be much shorter than usual. That means there won't be any usual little monologues and other things. It is going to be quick and to the point. I think.
In the River Darkness is terrible at foreshadowing. I could already guess it from the very beginning. However, there was something I didn't know/something I guessed very wrong. In the beginning (the first chapter/prologue), there is a character drowning in the river. I totally guessed wrong on that, and was utterly misleaded throughout the entire book (on that part). On the other hand, I remained quite spot on for the most part. Anyway, foreshadowing was too obvious and the suspense wasn't really killing me.
But it wasn't boring.
In the River Darkness is told from three characters, Jay, Mia, and Alex. Alex and Mia are the couple of this book while Jay is the little brother of Alex and quite the dreamer. Let me cut the chase, alright? Jay is the weird guy who always hangs around the river and talk about his imaginary friend even though he is about sixteen or fifteen. Alex has mommy issues. Mia, who always wear black, has issues with her ex-boyfriend who shagged her and then left her. Plus, she seems to also possess a dark side. Oops, was that spoilers? Oh, well. Now you know these characters.
The ending isn't that bad actually. That is all I'm going to say. Oh, no. Not all. It is not a "Happily Ever After," but it will do.
Umm...
Oh, yes. Overall, In the River Darkness isn't a bad book. It is actually better than average but the characters can improve (like Jay or Mia, because they are people/characters who I can't connect with; and even Alex seems creepy at times). But it does an excellent job of entertaining me for two hours or more. And it certainly wasn't boring, and the writing is decent, and the plot is easy enough to follow.
Rating: Three out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
Okay, this review is going to be much shorter than usual. That means there won't be any usual little monologues and other things. It is going to be quick and to the point. I think.
In the River Darkness is terrible at foreshadowing. I could already guess it from the very beginning. However, there was something I didn't know/something I guessed very wrong. In the beginning (the first chapter/prologue), there is a character drowning in the river. I totally guessed wrong on that, and was utterly misleaded throughout the entire book (on that part). On the other hand, I remained quite spot on for the most part. Anyway, foreshadowing was too obvious and the suspense wasn't really killing me.
But it wasn't boring.
In the River Darkness is told from three characters, Jay, Mia, and Alex. Alex and Mia are the couple of this book while Jay is the little brother of Alex and quite the dreamer. Let me cut the chase, alright? Jay is the weird guy who always hangs around the river and talk about his imaginary friend even though he is about sixteen or fifteen. Alex has mommy issues. Mia, who always wear black, has issues with her ex-boyfriend who shagged her and then left her. Plus, she seems to also possess a dark side. Oops, was that spoilers? Oh, well. Now you know these characters.
The ending isn't that bad actually. That is all I'm going to say. Oh, no. Not all. It is not a "Happily Ever After," but it will do.
Umm...
Oh, yes. Overall, In the River Darkness isn't a bad book. It is actually better than average but the characters can improve (like Jay or Mia, because they are people/characters who I can't connect with; and even Alex seems creepy at times). But it does an excellent job of entertaining me for two hours or more. And it certainly wasn't boring, and the writing is decent, and the plot is easy enough to follow.
Rating: Three out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
August 5, 2016
Mia’s family moves to a small town for a fresh start and happen to choose a house next to the river and the Stonebrook family. Mia’s working through some of her own issues and hides behind her Goth clothes and make-up, which kind of scares the teen brothers, Alex and Jay, next door until they take the time to get to know her.
Before long, Mia loses her Goth attire (and negative attitude) and starts hanging out with the boys’ grandmother next door and begins dating the older brother, Alex. Narration rotates between Mia, Alex and Jay with a few chapters of Mia struggling to stay alive in the frozen river.
Strange things begin happening around the teenagers. Someone vandalizes both their houses and leaves behind decomposing, stinky fish and warning messages. The mood becomes dark and sinister as the teens wonder what is causing this and how to make it end. More complications arise when younger brother Jay and Mia share an unplanned kiss even though Mia’s still dating Alex.
As the story unfolds, the river’s presence invades the book and tries to pull the reader under its murky water. Dedicated readers will continue trudging through this strange tale (perhaps made more strange by its translation from the original German language) and be rewarded as tension escalates until all secrets are revealed.
Teens looking for a mysterious novel with some paranormal elements, may enjoy this story, but it’s a shrug for me. Although I saw the big surprise or twist in the plot line coming from a distance, teens will likely be caught off-guard and enjoy this moody, dark story even more.
For grades 9 and up.
Before long, Mia loses her Goth attire (and negative attitude) and starts hanging out with the boys’ grandmother next door and begins dating the older brother, Alex. Narration rotates between Mia, Alex and Jay with a few chapters of Mia struggling to stay alive in the frozen river.
Strange things begin happening around the teenagers. Someone vandalizes both their houses and leaves behind decomposing, stinky fish and warning messages. The mood becomes dark and sinister as the teens wonder what is causing this and how to make it end. More complications arise when younger brother Jay and Mia share an unplanned kiss even though Mia’s still dating Alex.
As the story unfolds, the river’s presence invades the book and tries to pull the reader under its murky water. Dedicated readers will continue trudging through this strange tale (perhaps made more strange by its translation from the original German language) and be rewarded as tension escalates until all secrets are revealed.
Teens looking for a mysterious novel with some paranormal elements, may enjoy this story, but it’s a shrug for me. Although I saw the big surprise or twist in the plot line coming from a distance, teens will likely be caught off-guard and enjoy this moody, dark story even more.
For grades 9 and up.
October 5, 2014
I was lucky enough to win this book from the goodreads giveaway.
I am not quite sure how I feel about the book. Parts of it I enjoyed and others I didn't. The story was told in three different perspectives; Mia, Alex, and Jay. Mia just moved to a small town and seems to be lonely. Then one day she helps an elderly woman who happens to live next door with her son-in-law and grandsons. Because of this one encounter she becomes connected in a way with the family. Alex and Jay are brothers that are very different. Alex is more aware of everything that is going on around him whereas Jay gets lost in the music of nature. Alex and Mia start to get close with each other and with four words everything changes for both of them.
I like how the story begins, "Will this be the day I die?" This intrigued me and made me curious as to what is going to happen next. But as the story progressed I was either lost or just waiting for something to happen. I feel that the entire book is just a set up for the last couple of chapters because that is when everything started to make sense to me. All in all I liked the book and feel that it is good story told in a little over 200 pages.
I am not quite sure how I feel about the book. Parts of it I enjoyed and others I didn't. The story was told in three different perspectives; Mia, Alex, and Jay. Mia just moved to a small town and seems to be lonely. Then one day she helps an elderly woman who happens to live next door with her son-in-law and grandsons. Because of this one encounter she becomes connected in a way with the family. Alex and Jay are brothers that are very different. Alex is more aware of everything that is going on around him whereas Jay gets lost in the music of nature. Alex and Mia start to get close with each other and with four words everything changes for both of them.
I like how the story begins, "Will this be the day I die?" This intrigued me and made me curious as to what is going to happen next. But as the story progressed I was either lost or just waiting for something to happen. I feel that the entire book is just a set up for the last couple of chapters because that is when everything started to make sense to me. All in all I liked the book and feel that it is good story told in a little over 200 pages.
December 13, 2013
This story made me think of a author for middle schoolers writing YA. Im not exactly sure what it was that hit me like that.
Its a good story even if its a little weird. Still not exactly sure how Alina tied into all of it. I wish time passing had been a little bit more obvious. From one chapter to the next it could be weeks and there's no way to know without it being mentioned.
Didnt understand why Jay thought Alex had no right to be mad over what happened, but then again Jay is a weird kid. I wish the story had delved into the characters and their lives a little more. There really wasn't much insight into Alex and Mia's relationship or them as people. How did they go from fighting to flirting? What did they talk about? Did they ever go out or did they always stay home? Did Mia ever make any friends?
This is an ok story story if you don't mind must things being skimmed over.
I received my copy from goodreads first reads.
Its a good story even if its a little weird. Still not exactly sure how Alina tied into all of it. I wish time passing had been a little bit more obvious. From one chapter to the next it could be weeks and there's no way to know without it being mentioned.
Didnt understand why Jay thought Alex had no right to be mad over what happened, but then again Jay is a weird kid. I wish the story had delved into the characters and their lives a little more. There really wasn't much insight into Alex and Mia's relationship or them as people. How did they go from fighting to flirting? What did they talk about? Did they ever go out or did they always stay home? Did Mia ever make any friends?
This is an ok story story if you don't mind must things being skimmed over.
I received my copy from goodreads first reads.
February 12, 2016
I think I read this book last summer, mostly in cafes or ice cream shops so I think it was around summer time. I really enjoyed it. The secret of the river and the long buried mystery from the mother of the brothers. I also loved the character of Mia and that she plays the Cello, cause I loooove Celli (:
I always imagined the noises that the younger brother mixed together. They remind me of two songs that I know. In case you wanna listen: It's corner of your heart by Ingrid Michealson and Fresh pair of eyes by I don't know who. Just ignore the singing and that the cello doesn't apear and it's perfectly fitting, in my opinion. (:
I always imagined the noises that the younger brother mixed together. They remind me of two songs that I know. In case you wanna listen: It's corner of your heart by Ingrid Michealson and Fresh pair of eyes by I don't know who. Just ignore the singing and that the cello doesn't apear and it's perfectly fitting, in my opinion. (:
October 2, 2014
I won this novel in the First Reads giveaways. I began this book interested by the characters and entertained by the mysteries surrounding Mia and Alex. They inevitably become an item but Mia's secrets separate them. Alex has issues as well; however the way I was presented with the truth and how they get back together was very dissatisfying. Entertaining, but sad.
December 28, 2013
This was a good book, but it was a little hard to connect to in the beginning. I was probably about a quarter of the way through before it started to become clear. As I read, it did keep my attention and it was interesting.
February 4, 2021
Habe es mir in der 5ten Klasse für 3 Euro gekauft und es seit dem jedes Jahr wieder gelesen. Ich verbinde so viel Nostalgie mit diesem Buch und diesen Charakteren. Sie werden für immer in meinem Herzen bleiben.
August 20, 2012
Ich liebe das roman <3
October 24, 2013
Sehr guter Schreibstil, nur dass es zu wenig Inhalt gab für 5 Sterne - dafür waren aber alle drei Hauptcharakter und sämtliche Nebencharakter sehr gut.
February 3, 2014
This book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I had a very difficult time putting it down. It was a very interesting read!
July 30, 2014
Pretty good teen story. Three main characters that narrate throughout the book. There interaction is written very well. Coming together at the end to defeat the water spirit and grow themselves.
May 25, 2014
šo būtu bijis drīzāk vērts tulkot un izdot latviski kā Whisper.
Kā arī - ļoti labs debijas romāns.
Kā arī - ļoti labs debijas romāns.
June 25, 2014
New girl in town begins to date a neighbor, Alex, then strikes a friendship with Alex's brother Jay. Things get compicate then a little weird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews