1.12k reviews for:

River of Shadows

Karina Halle

3.65 AVERAGE

adventurous dark funny inspiring mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

I've read some stuff from Karina Halle before but not any of her fantasy stuff. I figured, why not, I enjoy fantasy. WHOLY COW best decision ever. I loved the modern take on this story. I enjoyed the world building, at first, I was intimidated by all the names and whatnot, but it's so not anything to worry about. The buildup of the spicy was perfect, so worth the wait. I think all my highlights are towards the end.. haha. if you know, you know. I can't wait to see where this story goes! Especially after that cliffhanger!
Spice: 2/5
Plot: 5/5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, touch her and die, forced proximity.


I have two rules when reading books these days. Either be a well written, thorough, incredibly crafted story, or make me enjoy every second regardless.

This book may not be the most sound when it comes to plot or relationship expression, and sometimes it felt like it was a giant book of exposition, but oh my god did it make me crack up in laughter. Something about the way Karina Halle writes is just absolutely endearing - hearing ancient creatures say “yeet” was so surprising and yet so welcome in this case.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it either - it’s difficult!! I didn’t like Hanna, I didn’t like Death, and I didn’t really enjoy the whiplash the plot offered, but I mean I had fun reading it, so who’s to say others won’t either.
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is just a rollercoaster. One time you'll hate a mf and then in the next few chapters they're suddenly your favorite. 

First off, I loved the adventures. Even though half of the book had no romance I think it was my favorite part (considering I cant physically try to read books with no romance). 

And the 🌶️ honestly didn't expect THAT. it's one of the best ones I've read this past 5 months.

Even tho I loved it, I can't helo but slander every book I've read so:

At the prologue I was like "where the fuck is the fantasy?!?" cause this b was just talking about her father nonstop that I almost dropped it. Trust the process though.

I have mixed feelings with Death. He's an asshole for sure. He's gonna love bomb you and the next day he'll act like he don't even know you. I also made a face for him because he taking too long to do a face reveal.
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I'm trying to decide if I wanna rate this thing lower or not. I'll come back if I do. Anyway, the Finnish myth aspect was wildly interesting. The rest of the book was ok.
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes