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rowan86's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting perspective. If this were a generic novel, we would be walking alongside Fiona on this adventure. However, we get Alistair instead.
Alistair is interesting because he is normal. More often than not, the protagonist of a fantasy novel tends to have a special skill/ability/power. Alistair has none of these things (unless, of course, he is the Swimmer, which I suspect he is). He is simply a normal twelve-year-old boy, occasionally causing mischief and not really knowing out to act around girls. He's not particularly smart or imaginative- he's just... normal. We can relate to Alistair more easily. Expectations are not so high. It's easy to put ourselves in Alistair's shoes because he doesn't have any special qualities and we can easily 'mold ourselves into him'.
Don't let the 'middle-grade' category deter you. This book takes a dark turn at the end. The fate of Fiona Loomis is ambiguous. What happens to Alistair? Charlie? Kyle? You'll have to read the next book to find out. In this aspect, I feel that the author used this book not as an actual story but as a world builder. It is merely the prologue to a great adventure and yet is still very engaging and suspenseful. At first, it starts out normal and slow but begins to get darker and creepier with every chapter.
However, I felt that the writer did a poor job of trying to convince us that Dorian is the Riverman.
Also, I'm slightly worried for Alistair's mental health.
Off to read the sequel!
Oh and if you are looking for similar books, check out [b:Wildwood|10431447|Wildwood (Wildwood Chronicles, #1)|Colin Meloy|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393683769s/10431447.jpg|12905469] it has the same aura (though perhaps more subtle in its darker areas). To be fair, I prefer the Wildwood Chronicles to the Riverman, but it's probably because I like books set in foresty areas.
Alistair is interesting because he is normal. More often than not, the protagonist of a fantasy novel tends to have a special skill/ability/power. Alistair has none of these things (unless, of course, he is the Swimmer, which I suspect he is). He is simply a normal twelve-year-old boy, occasionally causing mischief and not really knowing out to act around girls. He's not particularly smart or imaginative- he's just... normal. We can relate to Alistair more easily. Expectations are not so high. It's easy to put ourselves in Alistair's shoes because he doesn't have any special qualities and we can easily 'mold ourselves into him'.
Don't let the 'middle-grade' category deter you. This book takes a dark turn at the end. The fate of Fiona Loomis is ambiguous. What happens to Alistair? Charlie? Kyle? You'll have to read the next book to find out. In this aspect, I feel that the author used this book not as an actual story but as a world builder. It is merely the prologue to a great adventure and yet is still very engaging and suspenseful. At first, it starts out normal and slow but begins to get darker and creepier with every chapter.
However, I felt that the writer did a poor job of trying to convince us that Dorian is the Riverman.
Also, I'm slightly worried for Alistair's mental health.
Off to read the sequel!
Oh and if you are looking for similar books, check out [b:Wildwood|10431447|Wildwood (Wildwood Chronicles, #1)|Colin Meloy|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1393683769s/10431447.jpg|12905469] it has the same aura (though perhaps more subtle in its darker areas). To be fair, I prefer the Wildwood Chronicles to the Riverman, but it's probably because I like books set in foresty areas.
nicxmac's review against another edition
4.0
Since goodreads still doesn't have a "half-star" rating, I'm gonna put my real rating in this review:
4.5/5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
While I really liked and enjoyed the story, I'm saving some of my "absolute" 5 star reviews for something that I ✨truly✨ think that would take my breath away. (lol)
4.5/5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
While I really liked and enjoyed the story, I'm saving some of my "absolute" 5 star reviews for something that I ✨truly✨ think that would take my breath away. (lol)
tami_provencher's review against another edition
3.0
I wish I could give 3.5 stars due to how much I loved the first 2/3 of The Riverman, but because I felt let down by the loss of intensity at the point where I felt it should be strongest at the end I have defaulted to 3.
The Riverman started off very strong. Alistair Cleary is the kind of young person who exudes a quiet strength of character that you just know will translate into a compassionate, ethical adult. He has known his neighbors Charlie and Fiona since they were small children. All three children are loners in their own way. Charlie needs Alistair's reassurance that he is his "best friend." Alistair simply agrees because he has no other "best friend" and has always felt rather obligated to him since Charlie doesn't have any other friends to speak of.
Fiona Loomis lives down the street. Her family and Alistair's used to socialize when the kids were 5 and 6 years old but gradually stopped spending time together. Alistair still sees Fiona at school and admires her independent choices in clothing and behavior style. When she approaches Alistair to write her biography, claiming she travels to an imaginary land "where stories are born" called Aquavania and is now being hunted by the malevolent Riverman he is flattered and intrigued.
Alistair's tender heart begins to believe that Fiona has made up Aquavania as an escape from a very real and sinister danger in her own home. Gradually realizing how important Fiona's safety and happiness is to him, Alistair appeals to Charlie's rebellious older brother, Kyle, for help in formulating some sort of 'rescue' plan. For me, the moments with Kyle were some of the most gripping in the book.
Alistair grapples with feelings and ideas involving love, loyalty and friendship. His vulnerability and compassion are extraordinary but not overdone. As Alistair tries to determine what he should believe so does the reader. Are Fiona's, Alistair's and Charlie's lives intertwined in reality as they have grown up in the same neighborhood? In Aquavania where stories are born? Both? Neither? Who IS the Riverman? Does he really exist? Is he a creation of Fiona's imagination or is he a living, deadly predator?
At the close of The Riverman the reader is left to decide for herself if Charlie and Fiona and Alistair have come to the end of journey that leaves a trail of tragedy, of deep and utter sadness, or of a quiet, peaceful joy. The Riverman is a thoughtful, often enthralling read. Be aware that it is a book with mature themes in content and philosophical ideas that certainly leaves the reader thinking. Or wondering. Or mad at the author.
***As a side note: I highly recommend Aaron Starmer's book D.W.E.E.B. It's a funny, creepy book for slightly younger readers about a conspiracy to use children's brains by drugging them through fast food provided in their schools. Entertaining and quirky for upper elementary and middle school readers!
The Riverman started off very strong. Alistair Cleary is the kind of young person who exudes a quiet strength of character that you just know will translate into a compassionate, ethical adult. He has known his neighbors Charlie and Fiona since they were small children. All three children are loners in their own way. Charlie needs Alistair's reassurance that he is his "best friend." Alistair simply agrees because he has no other "best friend" and has always felt rather obligated to him since Charlie doesn't have any other friends to speak of.
Fiona Loomis lives down the street. Her family and Alistair's used to socialize when the kids were 5 and 6 years old but gradually stopped spending time together. Alistair still sees Fiona at school and admires her independent choices in clothing and behavior style. When she approaches Alistair to write her biography, claiming she travels to an imaginary land "where stories are born" called Aquavania and is now being hunted by the malevolent Riverman he is flattered and intrigued.
Alistair's tender heart begins to believe that Fiona has made up Aquavania as an escape from a very real and sinister danger in her own home. Gradually realizing how important Fiona's safety and happiness is to him, Alistair appeals to Charlie's rebellious older brother, Kyle, for help in formulating some sort of 'rescue' plan. For me, the moments with Kyle were some of the most gripping in the book.
Alistair grapples with feelings and ideas involving love, loyalty and friendship. His vulnerability and compassion are extraordinary but not overdone. As Alistair tries to determine what he should believe so does the reader. Are Fiona's, Alistair's and Charlie's lives intertwined in reality as they have grown up in the same neighborhood? In Aquavania where stories are born? Both? Neither? Who IS the Riverman? Does he really exist? Is he a creation of Fiona's imagination or is he a living, deadly predator?
At the close of The Riverman the reader is left to decide for herself if Charlie and Fiona and Alistair have come to the end of journey that leaves a trail of tragedy, of deep and utter sadness, or of a quiet, peaceful joy. The Riverman is a thoughtful, often enthralling read. Be aware that it is a book with mature themes in content and philosophical ideas that certainly leaves the reader thinking. Or wondering. Or mad at the author.
***As a side note: I highly recommend Aaron Starmer's book D.W.E.E.B. It's a funny, creepy book for slightly younger readers about a conspiracy to use children's brains by drugging them through fast food provided in their schools. Entertaining and quirky for upper elementary and middle school readers!
readwithmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
A little bit navigating school relationships, teenage angst, magical realism, small neighborhoods, and an air of sinisterism (is that a word?) blend nicely with an engaging writing style to create this fast-paced novel. Fun and quick read. Recommended for fans of Stranger Things or readers who enjoy unsettling, bordering on creepy tales that aren't outright horror.
kylielynelle's review against another edition
2.0
A NetGalley ARC
1.5 Stars
I loved the premise of The Riverman. In the spirit of Coraline or any other of the many "evil villain kidnaps children and holds them captive in a fantastical universe, this title seemed to have the makings of a very compelling coming of age fantasy for the middle grades. However, I quickly grew bored. I loved Fiona's quirky exchanges of dialogue with Alistair at the beginning of the story- her views on names and naming things, the bit with Alistair's car poster etc- but, the dialogue quickly fell flat. It became just another mediocre fantasy that felt way too long, and I found myself skimming rather frequently. I HATED that the author chose to have the main character take matters into his own hands by arranging the purchase of a gun. In my opinion this should absolutely never happen in a novel for the middle grades. There is so much gun violence in our society already- I think it's a bad idea to encourage children to read books where the main character chooses to solve a problem by buying a gun instead of bringing the problem to a responsible adult that can help them. But, I am a teacher and maybe i'm biased. All in all, I was interested in basic plot involving the Riverman and his villainous plot to kidnap children, but all of this title's other plot points were quite unsatisfying for me.
1.5 Stars
I loved the premise of The Riverman. In the spirit of Coraline or any other of the many "evil villain kidnaps children and holds them captive in a fantastical universe, this title seemed to have the makings of a very compelling coming of age fantasy for the middle grades. However, I quickly grew bored. I loved Fiona's quirky exchanges of dialogue with Alistair at the beginning of the story- her views on names and naming things, the bit with Alistair's car poster etc- but, the dialogue quickly fell flat. It became just another mediocre fantasy that felt way too long, and I found myself skimming rather frequently. I HATED that the author chose to have the main character take matters into his own hands by arranging the purchase of a gun. In my opinion this should absolutely never happen in a novel for the middle grades. There is so much gun violence in our society already- I think it's a bad idea to encourage children to read books where the main character chooses to solve a problem by buying a gun instead of bringing the problem to a responsible adult that can help them. But, I am a teacher and maybe i'm biased. All in all, I was interested in basic plot involving the Riverman and his villainous plot to kidnap children, but all of this title's other plot points were quite unsatisfying for me.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
On the surface, The Riverman is a story of relationships and that first experience of falling for someone. Alistair falls in love with the girl down the street when she asks him to write her biography. Fiona tells him incredible stories about a land called Aquavania and a sinister character known as the Riverman. Alistair interprets all this as a cry for help. He believes that Fiona knows the identity of a child predator and is reaching out to him as a trusted ally, so he is determined to help her. Parents, neighbors, schoolmates, and friends become less important as he focuses on Fiona.
Aaron Starmer has come up with a tale that keeps you guessing and questioning to the end. Who is the Riverman? Does he really exist? Are the stories that Fiona tells Alistair things that have actually happened to her, or just fantasies? We only see Fiona through Alistair's descriptions and we only know of Aquavania and the Riverman through what she tells him. The question of perception and understanding is at the heart of the book - and we reach the end of the story without having all our questions answered in a conclusive way.
If you dislike stories with ambiguous endings, then you may not enjoy this - you will find no hard and fast answers. But if you enjoy stories that make you think and puzzle and ponder, then you should give it a try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Aaron Starmer has come up with a tale that keeps you guessing and questioning to the end. Who is the Riverman? Does he really exist? Are the stories that Fiona tells Alistair things that have actually happened to her, or just fantasies? We only see Fiona through Alistair's descriptions and we only know of Aquavania and the Riverman through what she tells him. The question of perception and understanding is at the heart of the book - and we reach the end of the story without having all our questions answered in a conclusive way.
If you dislike stories with ambiguous endings, then you may not enjoy this - you will find no hard and fast answers. But if you enjoy stories that make you think and puzzle and ponder, then you should give it a try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
koiketto's review against another edition
2.0
**2.5 Stars**
Um...this book was certainly...something. I'm...not 100% sure what to make of it. Sure, all the messages were interesting (lost childhood, not fitting in, storytelling, etc) but also there were some problems with this book. Huge, gigantic, glaring problems in the storytelling and the characters and the execution and just. Mm. It was a cool but oftentimes frustrating read.
First of all, the writing. The writing actually wasn't all that bad; the descriptions were nice and creepy and went along well with the theme of the story. But at the same time it also seemed a bit amateurish? Like the writer was just throwing in themes and symbolism here and there for no rhyme or reason in places where it felt like it didn't really need to be there, or if it did it just felt awkward in its execution.
Also the characters; particularly, that of Fiona and Charlie. I liked them both at first. I thought Fiona was cool and creepy and interesting and had so much depth, and Charlie was your typical kid that no one wants around but still tries to be positive. But the way the story handled both of them was just...so frustrating. The thing that frustrated me with Fiona most of all was that the author aged her up to twenty-something mentally?? Like I don't know, but I was enjoying the story of two children and aging one of them up just bothered me so much. That might be more of a personal thing than anything, but it just grated on my nerves. Also Charlie being the Riverman was a bit odd, but it didn't bother me nearly as much as the Fiona thing.
Also, the story and plot itself was so, so incredibly idealistic. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes stories are so imaginative and quixotic that it just creates this charming kind of legend or myth, but this one just. Did not do that. It's like it was idealistic to a point where it sacrificed the actual plot. The plot was all over the place and things felt like they were just kind of thrown around without making much sense, which proved to be a bit of a frustrating read. I like stories that are cool and mythic, but I also like to actually know what was happening solidly and stick to the characters. Three stars. It was fine, but just so many things about it frustrated me insanely.
Um...this book was certainly...something. I'm...not 100% sure what to make of it. Sure, all the messages were interesting (lost childhood, not fitting in, storytelling, etc) but also there were some problems with this book. Huge, gigantic, glaring problems in the storytelling and the characters and the execution and just. Mm. It was a cool but oftentimes frustrating read.
First of all, the writing. The writing actually wasn't all that bad; the descriptions were nice and creepy and went along well with the theme of the story. But at the same time it also seemed a bit amateurish? Like the writer was just throwing in themes and symbolism here and there for no rhyme or reason in places where it felt like it didn't really need to be there, or if it did it just felt awkward in its execution.
Also the characters; particularly, that of Fiona and Charlie. I liked them both at first. I thought Fiona was cool and creepy and interesting and had so much depth, and Charlie was your typical kid that no one wants around but still tries to be positive. But the way the story handled both of them was just...so frustrating. The thing that frustrated me with Fiona most of all was that the author aged her up to twenty-something mentally?? Like I don't know, but I was enjoying the story of two children and aging one of them up just bothered me so much. That might be more of a personal thing than anything, but it just grated on my nerves. Also Charlie being the Riverman was a bit odd, but it didn't bother me nearly as much as the Fiona thing.
Also, the story and plot itself was so, so incredibly idealistic. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes stories are so imaginative and quixotic that it just creates this charming kind of legend or myth, but this one just. Did not do that. It's like it was idealistic to a point where it sacrificed the actual plot. The plot was all over the place and things felt like they were just kind of thrown around without making much sense, which proved to be a bit of a frustrating read. I like stories that are cool and mythic, but I also like to actually know what was happening solidly and stick to the characters. Three stars. It was fine, but just so many things about it frustrated me insanely.
dairyqueen84's review against another edition
4.0
Not sure why I enjoyed this book so much because nothing was resolved. Engaging characters and unique storyline.
couillac's review against another edition
2.0
This is an undeniably thought-provoking book, but I'm not as bowled over by it as so many other reviewers have been. It tries to walk a challenging line between children's and teen, and I'm not sure it manages to find its audience.
I am impressed with the themes of stories, truth and lies, friendship and loyalty, and secrets, and I think Starmer is skilled at teasing out the complexity and darker questions that lie behind these topics. At the same time, I struggled with the momentum and pacing, wanting more of Fiona and her story and never quite knowing where Alistair stood. He seemed to vacillate so widely in his perspectives on Fiona, Charlie, Kyle and others, and often would change his mind for no apparent reason. Subplots like Halloween and the trip to Gina's and Kyle confronting Dorian didn't feel like they came organically from the story and never developed into much. Aquavania and its rules and even the threat of the Riverman all felt too vague and intangible for me to totally buy into. And the ending, while appropriately vague for this kind of story, felt too unresolved.
That said, I think the right kind of tween could really enjoy this book, and I appreciate the author's trust in his readers to fill in many of the gaps themselves and to think seriously about some intriguing and dark subjects. Still, I think a trimmer plot with more of a build would have been more effective.
I look forward to possibly discussing this with my Mock Newbery book club. Perhaps they'll change my mind about some things. It's certainly very unique.
I am impressed with the themes of stories, truth and lies, friendship and loyalty, and secrets, and I think Starmer is skilled at teasing out the complexity and darker questions that lie behind these topics. At the same time, I struggled with the momentum and pacing, wanting more of Fiona and her story and never quite knowing where Alistair stood. He seemed to vacillate so widely in his perspectives on Fiona, Charlie, Kyle and others, and often would change his mind for no apparent reason. Subplots like Halloween and the trip to Gina's and Kyle confronting Dorian didn't feel like they came organically from the story and never developed into much. Aquavania and its rules and even the threat of the Riverman all felt too vague and intangible for me to totally buy into. And the ending, while appropriately vague for this kind of story, felt too unresolved.
That said, I think the right kind of tween could really enjoy this book, and I appreciate the author's trust in his readers to fill in many of the gaps themselves and to think seriously about some intriguing and dark subjects. Still, I think a trimmer plot with more of a build would have been more effective.
I look forward to possibly discussing this with my Mock Newbery book club. Perhaps they'll change my mind about some things. It's certainly very unique.
hsquared's review against another edition
4.0
I'm still thinking about this book, but right now I'd give it a solid 4 to 4 1/2 stars. Ok, maybe not so solid. The writing was terrific and the book completely engaging. Like Alistair, I was pretty convinced that Fiona's story was a coping mechanism for something much more sinister she was dealing with. That is, until I wasn't. The ending--in all it's ambiguous glory--quite frankly made me want to throw the book across the bedroom. When I discovered this morning that the book is the first in a planned trilogy, I'm a little less bothered by the ending. The question is, how will young readers feel about it? To be honest, I think this will be better appreciated by older middle grade to young adult. Although there are no explicit references to molestation, the suggestion that it may have occured is pretty strong. My gut feeling is that younger kids will completely miss that aspect of the novel, which is a pretty powerful component of the story, and focus more on the fantasy world. Regardless, this is a compelling book with so much to discuss. With all the layers of meaning, this is definitely a book for discussion.