Fabulous reads: A dark YA fantasy worth reading
Three missing girls. A whisper of witchcraft. And a forest hiding something far darker. Erica Waters’ The River Has Teeth blends murder mystery and dark magic into an emotional young adult story about grief, rage, and justice.
The River has Teeth, Erica Waters, HarperCollins, ISBN: 9780062894267
I AM a sucker for magic and murder mysteries – so I was thrilled to come across a book that combines both. And The River has Teeth did not disappoint.
It is a young adult book, but for the most part, it does not feel like it. It’s an immersive story that covers some seriously heavy topics, such as gender-based violence, depression, drug addiction, prejudice, effects of socio economics status and grief. Then there’s the powerful and palpable feminist rage within the book. This book won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, however, I found the book powerful and emotional.
Three young women have gone missing near a local nature reserve. The latest victim, Rochelle, comes from a privileged family. And, while extensive searches are done by police with community volunteers, days go by without so much as a trace. Her younger sister, Natasha, is convinced that Rochelle’s boyfriend is to blame.
Frustrated by the lack of progress she starts taking matters into her own hands, approaching Della, who is rumoured to be a witch, to help her prove the boyfriend’s guilt. However, Della fears the unthinkable – that her mother, twisted into a monster by a corruption in their magic, is behind the women’s disappearances.
The reader bounces between the perspectives of Della and Natasha. While Della struggles with feelings of guilt, abandonment, loneliness and grief, Natasha is overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness which sparks untamable rage and anger. But, just as those heavy emotions seem to dominate the book, it’s softened by the relationship blossoming between the duo. It was heartwarming to watch as they fought for each other and slowly but surely helped each other through their darkest emotions. I found their romance subtle, believable and endearing.
I was sucked in from the very first page, and with the author’s fast pace I was whizzing through the chapters. I just wish the book spent a little more time explaining the magic as this also made the ending feel a little bit convenient. Mariclair Smit 4/5 stars
