Does she have a secret life? One even she doesn’t know about?Ever since seventeen-year old River can remember, she’s always had the real sense that she is in the wrong place. Because of this, she battles a constant restlessness that consumes her. Running is the only thing that helps.Another reason she knows she’s wrong?She can see the light around a person. Everyone gives off energy and somehow, … gives off energy and somehow, River can see a bit of it. She knows when someone’s good or bad. She just doesn’t know what a blurry light means, like the light around the creepy new kid, Wicked.
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River has a second life she doesn’t know about. What happens when it sweeps in and changes everything she thinks she knows?
I jumped headfirst into this book without reading any descriptions, which is something I’ve been experimenting with lately.
This time I was blown away.
The author transported me into a complex world full of magic, love, and betrayals. I became swept up in following River as she tried to figure out who she really was and who to trust, who to love. I keep yelling at Wolf to give in and love her like he should! The characters are intriguing and so full of life! The dialogue was strongly realistic for the age of the characters.
And let’s talk about the end! (No spoilers) With how the author left me, I’m in it for the long haul for this series. I. Need. More.
Fate, here I come.
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 of 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 highly 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.
I devoured this book in one sitting – I simply could not put it down and I was nearly in tears when I reached the end because I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know more! The world building is exquisite, the characters are compelling and engaging, and the story line has me hooked. When is the next book in the series coming??
River is an incredible mix of bad-ass and fragile, so flawed and yet so pure it is painful to follow her thoughts and feelings as you move through the story with her. She is powerful and genuine and, most importantly, she is REAL. She speaks and acts like a girl her age would speak and act. Ryen Lesli has created a character that had me laughing in one scene and brought tears to my eyes in the next. The scenes were so deliciously written that I was laughing out loud at the antics of these young people while feeling their angst at the same time. The conflicts are palpable – wonderfully well-written and believable, you can’t help but fall in love with River, Wolf, and Cat and feel the heartache they all feel as they move through the story together. The chemistry between them is so heated that you can feel the hum in the air as they deal with their confusion and love. So powerful!
I also have to address the overarching story that this book introduces but will do so carefully so as not to spoil it for other readers. Nothing short of amazing. The depth is astounding and I am more than excited to see where the author takes us next. Her writing is compelling and realistic – I could feel the emotions through River but also envision what she was seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching. The evil in this book makes me shiver – it is presented in a no-holds-barred fashion and doesn’t pull any punches. It is downright frightening.
I wish I could give this more stars. Five just aren’t enough. I will be following this author closely and as soon as her next book is available for pre-order, I will be snatching up my copy. It was a thrill to be lost in another world!