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wombat_88's review
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
dblue236's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Someone please, please, PLEASE get this author a thesaurus and a remedial English course as soon as possible. This was entirely unreadable due to the repetitive nature of the dialogue and the utter lack of proofreading. DNF.
reallyrillo's review
4.0
*Note: This book was won through a Goodreads giveaway*
I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and unable to put it down!! Can’t wait to get to read more of it!
I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and unable to put it down!! Can’t wait to get to read more of it!
taisie22's review against another edition
4.0
River is your typical seventeen-year-old girl, hanging with her best friend Skye and living in hot dusty Georgia. She's not fond of Skye's new boyfriend, but it's when she finally meets him that her life turns upside-down. Her mother whisks her away to a new world and removes the suppression of her memories: River finds out she's a Fair and has power, she's a princess (not that she cares much), and oh, she's also bonded to Luca, a boy from her childhood. Luca is now a warrior named Wolf, and he didn't take her leaving him well. Frustrated, River turns to Cat, her Royal (a type of bodyguard) for friendship and comfort.
The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.
The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.
The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.
Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.
The author has been very clever in how she integrates the world of the Fair with the Outer World, placing it in Muir Wood in California. The world building is excellent and definitely adds to the story. As River relearns her past, the reader is also introduced to her fascinating environs. And not just the other species, but their customs and way of life.
The three main characters, River, Wolf, and Cat, are a good mix. River is the linchpin, confused by her new surroundings and frustrated with her mother while Wolf covers his hurt with a belligerent shell and Cat does his best between the two of them. While triangles are often a YA trope (not that there's anything wrong with that), I liked that this one doesn't go on that long.
The supporting characters are fun. Scarlett and the other Fair learning swearwords and other slang from River add a comic element that's a nice touch. Finn and Scarlett's romance is also great; it reminded me of Tormund and Brienne from GOT in some ways. The other Warriors are a good mix of guys as are the girls who befriend River.
Angel, the evil villainess of the book, is suitably malevolent and just icky. The tour of her rooms is nausea-inducing, just horrific- and a fine piece of writing. For the most part, the writing is good though I got tired pretty quickly of everyone tugging on braids. The story is fascinating and propels the reader to discover more about this world and these characters until one reaches the cliff-hanger ending. I definitely will read the next book and can't wait for it.
arvagnetti's review
5.0
Before I get into the nitty gritty of this book, let me preface by saying, young adult is not my usual go-to genre. Although, I must confess I read the Twilight series because you know, vampires, that’s my thing. 😊
River. Where do I begin? Let’s start with the characters, because great character development is the core to every remarkable book. Ryen nailed it! I love, love, love her main character River. This 17-year-old, and River is a teenager in every sense of the word, foul mouth and all, gets thrust into a world where the rules are in complete opposition from how she grew up; human.
If you’ve ever been a parent of a teenager, or hell, if you recently survived those tumultuous years or are struggling through them right now, you will connect with River. You’ll applaud the tough, no bullshit exterior she desperately clings to, sympathize with the inner chaos only a teenager can experience, and share in her angst with the “f*#@king queen”, her mother. Because what teenager, at some point in a high dramatic fashion, hasn't loathed their overbearing, controlling, out to destroy their life parents. River is a courageous, and inspiring young woman, and Ryen does an excellent job of bringing her to life with all the insecurities and inner turmoil of a young adult.
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the two hot, yummy guys in her life. Honestly, I didn’t know which one I liked more. Cat, for his unwavering loyalty and understanding wrapped around a delicious six pack, or Wolf, the angry, sexy beefcake who hides his hurt behind his rage. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Read it to find out.
What’s the next component to any wonderful fantasy story? Yup, you guessed it, world building.
Ryen’s book has it in spades. I can’t say enough about the fantasy world she’s conjured up in that brilliantly creative mind of hers. Ryen’s writing sucks you into a realm so vivid, you stop and look around to make sure you’re still sitting in your living room or bedroom, or wherever you read, and not walking alongside River and her friends in the Banyans.
The attention to detail wasn’t overwhelming or lengthy either. Several fantasy books I’ve read drone on and on about the environment and inner workings of said world. And half the time, I’m skipping ahead to get back to the actual story. Ryen gives you just enough to light your imagination on fire and draw you into the dazzling inner workings of River’s world.
So, even though this was not my normal genre to read, it sparked a need to get my hands on the ten books planned for this series. Yup. You heard me right. Ten books!
Ryen’s story and writing style resonated with me and I believe it will connect with both young adults and adults alike.
River. Where do I begin? Let’s start with the characters, because great character development is the core to every remarkable book. Ryen nailed it! I love, love, love her main character River. This 17-year-old, and River is a teenager in every sense of the word, foul mouth and all, gets thrust into a world where the rules are in complete opposition from how she grew up; human.
If you’ve ever been a parent of a teenager, or hell, if you recently survived those tumultuous years or are struggling through them right now, you will connect with River. You’ll applaud the tough, no bullshit exterior she desperately clings to, sympathize with the inner chaos only a teenager can experience, and share in her angst with the “f*#@king queen”, her mother. Because what teenager, at some point in a high dramatic fashion, hasn't loathed their overbearing, controlling, out to destroy their life parents. River is a courageous, and inspiring young woman, and Ryen does an excellent job of bringing her to life with all the insecurities and inner turmoil of a young adult.
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the two hot, yummy guys in her life. Honestly, I didn’t know which one I liked more. Cat, for his unwavering loyalty and understanding wrapped around a delicious six pack, or Wolf, the angry, sexy beefcake who hides his hurt behind his rage. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Read it to find out.
What’s the next component to any wonderful fantasy story? Yup, you guessed it, world building.
Ryen’s book has it in spades. I can’t say enough about the fantasy world she’s conjured up in that brilliantly creative mind of hers. Ryen’s writing sucks you into a realm so vivid, you stop and look around to make sure you’re still sitting in your living room or bedroom, or wherever you read, and not walking alongside River and her friends in the Banyans.
The attention to detail wasn’t overwhelming or lengthy either. Several fantasy books I’ve read drone on and on about the environment and inner workings of said world. And half the time, I’m skipping ahead to get back to the actual story. Ryen gives you just enough to light your imagination on fire and draw you into the dazzling inner workings of River’s world.
So, even though this was not my normal genre to read, it sparked a need to get my hands on the ten books planned for this series. Yup. You heard me right. Ten books!
Ryen’s story and writing style resonated with me and I believe it will connect with both young adults and adults alike.
annaread's review
5.0
River’s world is vibrant and colorful and you see it and FEEL it from the moment you step inside it. I loved the soul mates aspect and the way the spirits of the characters could interact and speak outside their physical voices. The side character’s were memorable and relatable. And the villain is fascinating and chilling in equal measure. I’m bad at finishing books, but I finished this one! So many feels!
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